The Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a major South Korean business lobby, said on Thursday it launched a task force to prepare for business leaders’ meetings to be held on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit scheduled to take place here next year. As the 2025 APEC chair, Korea is expected to serve as a bridge between developed and developing economies among 21 member countries, facilitating economic and technological cooperation and capacity building rela

Industry June 27, 2024

Mirae Asset Global Investments' assets exceeded 340 trillion won ($244.7 billion), with over 40 percent being managed on behalf of overseas clients, boasting extensive overseas footholds buoyed by its signature exchange-traded funds. In 2003, the firm’s aggressive market expansion began with Mirae Asset Group founder and Chairman Park Hyeon-joo’s long-term vision to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with global investment banking groups like Goldman Sachs and Merrill. “Over the p

Companies June 26, 2024

Kakao Bank has yielded the result of its first overseas investment, as Indonesian digital bank Superbank officially launched Wednesday. With the launch, Superbank becomes the first bank concentrating on digital financial services in Indonesia, supported by major shareholders that include Korean internet-only lender Kakao Bank, Southeast Asia's biggest mobility application Grab, Indonesian media conglomerate EMTEK Group and Singaporean telecommunications giant Singtel. In September last year

Industry June 19, 2024

This article is the first installment in a series of interviews and analyses on how South Korean corporations can sharpen their diplomatic capabilities to brighten their prospects for overseas growth in this mega election year around the world. -- Ed. South Korean companies used to respond belatedly to regulatory changes in overseas markets, but now they predict and monitor potential legislative shifts in advance, showing the economy’s improved capability to do business in overseas mar

Economy June 17, 2024

The Bank of Korea looks increasingly likely to push back the start of its interest rate-cutting cycle as late as October as the country enters the last mile in its inflation fight while the US dials back its rate cut forecasts, experts said Thursday. The country’s recent data showing signs of weakening inflation, coupled with a rebound in exports, has increased anticipation for rate cuts by the Bank of Korea. The borrowing rates were kept at 3.5 percent for the 11th consecutive session i

Economy June 13, 2024

Debate over a bill expanding the responsibilities a company director not only to the interest of the firm but also to the interest of the shareholders has been rekindled, with business groups showing strong resistance, arguing it could invite damage claims from individual shareholders. Rep. Jeong Jun-ho of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea proposed on June 5 an amendment to an article of the Commercial Act tied to the "Duty of Loyalty by Directors," after a similar bill was

Economy June 12, 2024

The Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, South Korea’s major business group, said Monday it launched an office in Frankfurt to build a broader network in Germany where the largest number of Korean companies are doing business in Europe. Germany, home to smart factories embedding artificial intelligence and clean energy technology, is Korea's largest trading partner in Europe. Korea is the second-largest export market in the Asia-Pacific region after China. “The office located

Industry June 10, 2024

Business leaders and government officials from South Korea and African nations gathered to fortify practical cooperation involving complementary skills and resources to enrich their decadeslong friendship. Some 400 people took part in the 2024 Korea-Africa Business Summit in Seoul on Wednesday on the sidelines of the Korea-Africa Summit being attended by delegations from 48 African nations, including 25 heads of state. Under the theme “The future we make together: Shared growth, sustainabi

Economy June 5, 2024

South Korea and African nations have pledged to intensify cooperation for enhanced trading while supporting Africa's path for shaping a future of sustainable co-prosperity. The 2024 South Korea-Africa Summit, the inaugural summit between Korea and 48 African countries, kicked off in Seoul on Tuesday. “Africa is young, dynamic and affluent with resources while Korea has high technology and a variety of experience… We will bring the strengths of each other together and discov

Economy June 4, 2024

Leaders of major South Korean conglomerates met with United Arab Emirates President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Tuesday in search of ways to deepen business cooperation in defense and energy areas with the oil-rich Middle East state, on the occasion of the UAE leader’s first state visit to Korea. Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Chung Euisun, Hanwha Group Vice Chairman Kim Dong-kwan, HD Hyundai Vice Chairman C

Industry May 28, 2024

The head of Korea Trade Insurance Corporation, the state-run export credit agency, vowed to support Korea and African nations in becoming key pillars of the future supply chain. “Africa is home to essential mineral resources critical to future high-tech industries such as semiconductors and secondary batteries,” Jang Young-jin, chairperson and president of K-SURE in his keynote speech during the Africa Day Business Forum co-hosted by The Korea Herald and the African Group of Ambassad

Economy May 26, 2024

The South Korean trade minister stressed the need to diversify economic relations with African nations into high-tech and service sectors by taking the upcoming Korea-Africa Summit as a chance to pave the way for a new era. “Now is the time for Korea to actively engage in trade and investment with Africa,” Trade Minister Cheong In-kyo said Thursday while delivering his celebratory speech at the Africa Day Business Forum co-hosted by The Korea Herald and the African Group of Ambassado

Economy May 26, 2024

The Financial Supervisory Service officials visited Hong Kong to seek cooperation with financial authorities and investment banks there for the regulator’s efforts to stamp out illegal short selling. During his two-day visit from Thursday, a delegation led by FSS Senior Deputy Gov. Hahm Yong-il met executives in charge of the Asia-Pacific region at seven global investment banks to inform them about the Korean government’s plan to set up a monitoring system designed to detect illega

Market May 21, 2024

South Korea's investment in the US creates a win-win effect for both countries as Korean companies' entry into the US contributes to the growth of Korea's exports while enhancing employment, economic growth and exports to the US, an industry report said Monday. Pouring a growing volume of investments in the US, Korean companies entering the US are found to contribute to the US economy in terms of employment, economic growth and exports, according to the report titled "Korea

Economy May 20, 2024

Heads of Korean business groups raised their voices for Korean companies making vast investments in the US to be treated as they deserve when facing challenges in dealing with trade and supply chain issues involving the US. Starting Monday, Korea International Trade Association Chairman Yoon Jin-sik visited the US for five days along with the Federation of Korean Industries Chairman Ryu Jin to set forth Korean businesses' opinions to ensure that the Korea-US partnership yields outcomes reci

Economy May 16, 2024