The Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KGCCI, President & CEO Marie Antonia von Schönburg) and the French-Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI, CEO Sonia Chaieb Kim) jointly hosted a special reception with Korean Prime Minister Seongsook Han on September 22 at the Banyan Tree Club and Spa Hotel in Seoul.
The reception provided a platform to discuss recent developments in economic policy, foreign investment, and the overall business climate for German, French, and other European companies operating in Korea. Around 200 representatives of European businesses gathered to engage in open dialogue and exchange with key government and industry stakeholders.
The event opened with remarks by Hyun-Nam Park, Chairperson of KGCCI, and David-Pierre Jalicon, Chairman of FKCCI, followed by special remarks from Prime Minister Seongsook Han, who highlighted the importance of strengthening economic cooperation between Korea and Europe and reaffirmed the Korean government’s commitment to supporting greater investment and business collaboration.
“Germany, France and other EU countries have long been steadfast partners of Korea, supporting one another’s economic and industrial development on the basis of mutual trust,” Prime Minister Han said. She added, “Korea, Germany and France are trusted partners that support free trade and a rules-based international order and share the values of openness and innovation.” She also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting German and French businesses, saying, “The government will do its utmost to ensure that the investments and ambitions of German and French companies lead to even greater success in Korea.”
Highlighting APK 2026, which will take place in Seoul next month, Prime Minister Han said, “I hope it will provide a valuable opportunity for Korean and German companies to open new avenues for growth through further investment and cooperation.”
H.E. Georg Schmidt, German Ambassador to the Republic of Korea; Philomène Robin Pierron, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of France in the Republic of Korea; and H.E. Ugo Astuto, Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Korea emphasized the importance of economic cooperation between Korea and Europe in their welcome messages. Doo-sik Kim, Foreign Investment Ombudsman, also addressed the participants.
The program also featured a dynamic panel discussion with industry leaders, including Christoph Hamann, General Manager, Merck Ltd. Korea, and Hyun-Su Han, President of Arkema Korea. Drawing on their companies’ experience in the Korean market, the speakers discussed the strategic importance of Korea in the global operations of German and French companies, while addressing pressing regulatory and economic concerns. The event was concluded by Marie Antonia von Schönburg, President & CEO of KGCCI and Sonia Chaieb Kim, CEO of FKCCI.
“Korea has built a remarkable global position through the strength of its industry, technology and innovation,” said Hyun-Nam Park, Chairperson of KGCCI. “The challenge now is to turn that strength into sustained investment, innovation and quality jobs. Predictability, open dialogue and internationally competitive business conditions will be key to sustaining this momentum. German companies are ready to play their part in Korea’s next chapter of growth. The German Chancellor’s expected visit to Korea for the APK 2026, to be held in Seoul next month, underscores the strategic importance Germany places on Korea and the region. We look forward to welcoming Korean business leaders to APK to engage directly with German decision-makers and turn dialogue into concrete partnerships.”
FKCCI Chairman David-Pierre Jalicon underscored France’s commitment, noting: “Madame Prime Minister, your presence is particularly meaningful for the French community this year as France and Korea celebrate the 140th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, and as the FKCCI celebrates its 40th anniversary. These anniversaries are not only opportunities to reflect on the strength of our relationship. They are also an invitation to build new connections through concrete cooperation, investment, and innovation.”
He also highlighted two upcoming initiatives aimed at strengthening this bilateral cooperation. On October 16, the FKCCI will organize a major France-Korea symposium at the French National Assembly in Paris to advance dialogue on strategic cooperation, particularly in innovation and technology.
This spirit of connection will also soon be embodied by Maison France by FKCCI. Bringing together the Chamber’s offices, an expanded business center, lounges and a French café. Maison France by FKCCI will provide a welcoming environment for companies, entrepreneurs, investors, and institutional partners seeking to develop new opportunities between France and Korea.
The reception underscored the strong commitment of German, French, and European companies to Korea’s economic development while setting the stage for deeper cooperation and mutual growth.
