Opportunity Korea

Next month UKTI will run a series of Opportunity Korea events across five UK cities to highlight the export opportunities that exist in the Asian powerhouse.

While UK exports to South Korea are up 125 per cent this year, the government has an ambitious target of doubling its export trade to this emerging economy by 2015. It is also predicted that trade between the EU and South Korea is set to increase after a free trade deal which was struck last year.

Taking place in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh and Bristol, the events will offer plenary sessions for UK firms to hear expert analysis from companies and government on doing business and succeeding in Asia’s fourth largest economy.

There will be a chance to register for one-to-one sessions with international trade advisers and to get tailor-made advice. The focus of the week will be to get more UK SMEs introduced to the Korean market.

What to expect from UKTI’s Opportunity Korea events

At each event UK businesses will be able to network with and hear first-hand from experts on South Korea from the business, political and government fields. Confirmed high-level attendees include Business Secretary Vince Cable MP, Trade and Investment Minister Lord Stephen Green and British Ambassador to South Korea Scott Wightman CMG.

In addition, representatives from British businesses already operating in South Korea are attending to share their insights on the routes, nature and culture of doing business there. Confirmed business speakers include those from the advanced engineering, oil and gas, professional business services, and food and drink sectors. Officers from UKTI, UK Export Finance (formerly the Export Credits Guarantee Department), the Foreign Office and regionally-based International Trade Advisers will also be on hand at each event to share information and address specific queries. Participants can register for Opportunity Korea online.

Schedule

Monday, February 4th – 15:30 – 20:00 Lancaster House, London (incorporating both general and focused discussion sessions in the following sectors: professional and financial services; fashion and creative industries; electronics and ICT; retail and consumer goods)

Tuesday, February 5th – 10:30-15:00 Edgbaston Cricket Ground, Birmingham (incorporating both general and focused discussion sessions in the following sectors: automotive; lifestyle and home-ware goods)

Wednesday, February 6th – 10:30-15:00 The Etihad Stadium, Manchester (incorporating both general and focused discussion sessions in the following sectors: pharmaceutical and healthcare; food and drink)

Thursday, February 7th – 10:30-15:00 MacDonald Roxburghe Hotel, Edinburgh (incorporating both general and focused discussion sessions in the following sectors: food and drink; textiles; life sciences; ICT and the creative industries)

Friday, February 8th – 10:30-15:00 Leigh Court, Bristol (incorporating both general and focused discussion sessions in the following sectors: food and drink; creative, media and design)

For more information, visit the Opportunity Korea website.