[Silicon Valley] The Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) wrap up a highly productive 'K-Semiconductor Week' in Silicon Valley on the 13th. The event, which aimed to support Korean companies and foster international cooperation in the global semiconductor industry, featured a range of programs and initiatives. KOTRA's efforts included creating a distinct identity for Korean semiconductor SMEs under the banner of 'K-Semiconductor' and strengthening ties with the U.S. to facilitate future trade opportunities for Korean firms.
The Opening Conference Garnered Attention from Korean and U.S. Companies
The opening conference, organized by KOTRA at the Silicon Valley Trade Center, drew the participation of 137 Korean and American businessmen on May 5. The strong turnout highlighted the local interest and significance of the semiconductor industry. During the event, Joe Stokounas, President of the Americas Division of SEMI, the organizing body of SEMICONWEST, highlighted the substantial growth of this year's SEMICONWEST exhibition. With over 600 participating exhibitors and 30,000 tickets sold, the numbers represented a 34% and 37% increase, respectively, compared to the previous year.
Establishing a 'K-Semiconductor' Identity for Korean Companies at SEMICONWEST
The semiconductor industry, as a driving force behind technological innovation, attracts global attention. This year, KOTRA set up a dedicated Korean pavilion at SEMICONWEST for three days, from the 11th, to provide Korean companies with valuable exposure and potential business opportunities. Eleven small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) showcased their products and services at the Korean Pavilion. Additionally, KOTRA extended support to 44 Korean companies that organized their own booths, resulting in a total of 55 SMEs adopting the 'K-Semiconductor' identity and enhancing their export potential.
During the exhibition, KOTRA actively promoted visits to the Korean Pavilion, encouraging international buyers to engage with the 11 exhibitors. Upon completion of business consultations, buyers received a QR code containing a comprehensive list of all 55 Korean companies, along with their booth locations. Furthermore, all Korean companies were provided with 'Korea Semiconductor' props to visually represent their affiliation with the 'K-Semiconductor' identity, making it easier for visitors to recognize them.
Promoting Korea-U.S. Industrial Cooperation through the 'KOR-US United' National Reception
To culminate the '2023 K-Semiconductor Week,' KOTRA hosted the 'KOR-US United' national reception. The event took place on the evening of the 12th near the Moscone Center, with over 150 Korean and American businessmen in attendance. Notably, five officials from the U.S. Department of Commerce's CHIPS program and Semiconductor Division traveled from Washington, D.C., to participate in the reception.
Lynelle McKay, Director of the CHIPS Program, represented the delegation and delivered a keynote speech at the opening conference. Expressing her satisfaction with the turnout, she emphasized the importance of international coordination for the development of the global semiconductor industry.
Park Sung-ho, Head of KOTRA North America, shared his thoughts on the inaugural 'K-Semiconductor Week,' stating, "In response to the rapidly evolving semiconductor industry landscape and market trends, we organized this event to showcase the value of Korean semiconductor SMEs in the U.S., with a focus on Silicon Valley as the semiconductor hub. We will continue to build a solid foundation for cooperation and collaboration."
