Shenzhen (Chinanews.com) – The 2026 World Korean Business & Trade Expo (Shenzhen), themed "Synergy in the Greater Bay Area: Fostering China-Korea Integration," was held from October 8 to 10 at the Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center (Futian). Marking the event's debut in China, the expo brought together over 350 enterprises and approximately 3,000 professional buyers from both China and South Korea, spanning 11 major industrial sectors.

In his opening remarks, Park Jong-bum, President of the World Korean Business & Trade Association, stated that entrepreneurs from both nations are joining hands to explore cooperative opportunities. He emphasized that by solidifying foundations through people-to-people exchanges, promoting cultural ties through trade, and fostering cooperation through mutual trust, the friendship between China and South Korea can grow deep roots and flourish.

Lin Hui, Executive President of the Shenzhen Shenshang Federation and the Shenzhen General Chamber of Commerce, noted that South Korea possesses distinct strengths in the semiconductor industry, while Shenzhen leads in electronics, artificial intelligence, and new energy clusters. The convergence of these strengths represents a powerful synergy between cutting-edge technology and trend-setting consumer markets. She expressed a commitment to breaking new ground through industrial collaboration, achieving fruitful results through platform-based matchmaking, and strengthening foundations through cultural exchange, all with the aim of sharing opportunities and creating a shared future.

Reportedly, the more than 250 South Korean exhibitors span 11 industry sectors, including semiconductors, drones, electronic technology, beauty and skincare/cosmetics, food and beverages, healthcare, tourism services, apparel and textiles, chemical materials, home and lifestyle products, and maternal and infant goods.

Inside the exhibition hall, visitors can enjoy taste experiences featuring butter rice cakes, macarons, fresh abalone, seaweed, Jeju citrus sauces, red ginseng tea, and freeze-dried coffee; try out natural cosmetics, facial masks, and skincare products; and explore a wide array of tech exhibits, such as probiotics, health supplements, drones, AI educational technology, and semiconductor equipment. The simultaneous display of consumer goods and high-tech products showcases the multifaceted nature of South Korea's industries. Professional buyers gather here to inspect samples, compare prices, and negotiate deals, while general visitors enjoy a one-stop experience to discover and purchase quality South Korean products.

South Korean beauty and food brands have shown keen interest in the Chinese market, with nearly 40 exhibitors signaling their intent to enter it. Some companies revealed they have reached agreements with JD.com and are poised to launch in China, with Shenzhen serving as their initial entry point.

Local Shenzhen consumer brands also took center stage. Dozens of representative Shenzhen heritage brands and local companies—such as Bama Tea, Guanxu Electronics, Yongfengyuan Ceramics, Cashmia, Hanyufang, and Duodun Food—exhibited as a group, offering opportunities for livestream product selection and cross-border channel matchmaking.

On the opening day of the expo, representatives from South Korean companies visited major Shenzhen enterprises—including TCL CSOT, BYD, UBTECH, ZTE, BGI Group, and Unilumin—gaining firsthand insight into Shenzhen’s manufacturing capabilities, pace of innovation, and supply chain ecosystem. During the expo, a series of events—including dialogues among young entrepreneurs, investment cooperation exchanges, and the sharing of global startup experiences—were held in rapid succession. Young entrepreneurs and investment institutions engaged in pragmatic discussions covering project roadshows, capital matching, and market entry. Meanwhile, representatives of the global Korean business community held in-depth consultations on trends in trade globalization, organizational governance, and key cooperative projects, aiming to foster deep integration between the Greater Bay Area’s industrial ecosystem and a network comprising 159 branches across 77 countries.

Source: Chinanews.com | Reporter: Suo Youwei | Photographer: Peng Cheng | Editor: Hu Hanxia