World-OKTA brings business expo to China for first time

Video by Ni Yongping

The World Federation of Overseas Korean Economic and Trade Associations (World-OKTA) brought its flagship Korean business expo to China for the first time, choosing Shenzhen to connect South Korean companies with opportunities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Held from Thursday to today at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center in Futian District, the 2026 Korea Business Expo Shenzhen brought together more than 350 Chinese and Korean companies across 11 industries, along with around 3,000 professional buyers, including approximately 600 from overseas.

Visitors gather at the 2026 Korea Business Expo Shenzhen at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center in Futian District. Courtesy of event organizer

The event featured product exhibitions, business matchmaking, investment discussions and networking activities, alongside forums for young entrepreneurs and exchanges on investment and global entrepreneurship.

Delegations from several South Korean local governments and regions also attended.

“I’m eagerly anticipating the APEC meeting to be held soon in Shenzhen. China and our country enjoy vibrant bilateral import and export trade, and we look forward to generating significant synergies,” said Shin Yong-han, governor of Chungcheongbuk-do, the Republic of Korea, during an interview with Shenzhen Daily.

Shin Yong-han, governor of Chungcheongbuk-do, the Republic of Korea, speaks during an interview with local media. Shao Jingfeng

At the opening ceremony, Park Jong-bum, chairman of World-OKTA, said the association’s 45-year development had built a global network connecting Korean businesses with markets worldwide. Holding the expo in Shenzhen, with APEC meetings scheduled in the city in November, offered an opportunity to strengthen business ties between China and South Korea.

“By bringing together entrepreneurs from both countries, we hope to explore new opportunities for cooperation, strengthen mutual trust and lay a solid foundation for lasting friendship,” Park said.

Lin Hui, president of the Shenzhen General Chamber of Commerce, said greater openness and cooperation were particularly important amid global changes.

“The more the world changes, the more we need openness; the more the landscape is reshaped, the more we need cooperation,” Lin said. She noted that South Korea’s strengths in semiconductors complemented Shenzhen’s strong electronics, artificial intelligence and new-energy industries.

She expressed hope that closer industrial collaboration, business connections and people-to-people exchanges would help both sides share opportunities and create new growth.

Participants applaud during the China-ROK Young Entrepreneurs Exchange and Cooperation Forum held as part of the 2026 Korea Business Expo Shenzhen.

South Korean business representatives also visited Shenzhen companies including TCL China Star Optoelectronics, BYD, UBTECH, ZTE, BGI Genomics and Unilumin, gaining firsthand insight into the city’s manufacturing capabilities, technological innovation and supply chains.

The exhibition showcased South Korean products and technologies spanning semiconductors, drones, consumer electronics, cosmetics, food and beverages, healthcare, chemicals and household goods. Shenzhen-based brands also participated, creating opportunities for two-way market access through cross-border e-commerce, distribution and livestreaming sales.

Forums and business-matching sessions were also held to connect entrepreneurs, investors and companies for longer-term partnerships.

By linking World-OKTA’s global Korean business network with the GBA’s industrial ecosystem, the expo aims to move China-South Korea cooperation beyond product trading toward deeper collaboration in technology, supply chains, investment and market development.