I had arrived at the 2009 Gyeonggi Global Business Week, hosted in Suwon by the Gyeonggi Small & Medium Business Center (GSBC). Mr. Lee Gaeyoul, the General Manager of the event, greeted me, and made me feel at home. He gave me a good introduction to the event, noting that “Most of the companies consist of IT-related products and security products, and also construction materials products.” I took a look around and found out that all of the 100+ business representatives had a day's schedule full of 30 minute time slots, in which they could conduct pre-arranged meetings at a table in a large room full of such tables. Each table was equipped with small flag in the center bearing the country flag of the company involved, and the name of the company in small print underneath it. Each table was also equipped with a translator, who most often translated between English and Korean, but on a few occasions spoke Chinese, or Japanese, or even Bulgarian.
As is the custom of reporters everywhere, I began to insert myself into the nooks and crannies of regimented schedule. I noticed one businessman who was unoccupied at the moment and introduced myself. He turned out to be Rezufrin Retheuwan, director of business development for Joker Inc, a Malaysian distribution company. He spoke fluent English and explained a little about his company by saying: “We have the master distribution rights for the whole of Malaysia and parts of Asia for petrol diesel boosters.” He explained his product as a fuel additive developed in Malaysia, and he was looking for buyers in Korea.
Another buyer, a Mr. Nagh from Younus Ahli General Trading in Dubai, is an importer/exporter on the lookout for any good deal. “We've found Korean goods are better in standards and quality, so we want to do more ventures here.” Mr. Nagh had high hopes for the day's work, and his day was just starting out.
Later on in the day I was able to get a few minutes with Hong Ki-hwa, the President & CEO of the GSBC, who noted: “We have 100 buyers from 30 countries this year… this is much larger than the previous year.” He said that the GSBC was able to attract many more companies this year because of their close cooperation with KOTRA.
Mr. Hong also mentioned: “We are also going to make a G-Fair, G-Fair means Global Fair, or Gyeonggi Fair. We are organizers of the G-Fair come September. At that time we will have a big exhibition, inviting more than 300 buyers to the G-Fair.” The September event will be held in KINTEX, north of Seoul.