1. On October 25, Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha attended the opening ceremony of the 16th World Korean Business Convention held in Changwon, Gyeongsangnam-do (South Gyeongsang province). At the event, the Minister shared with the other participants the new government’s efforts to implement people-centered diplomacy, better ensure the safety of the overseas Koreans and strengthen economic diplomacy in response to trade protectionist moves around the world; and asked Korean entrepreneurs from around the world to contribute to the Republic of Korea’s efforts to strengthen its economic capability.

° At the World Korean Business Convention, the largest platform connecting Korean businesses at home and overseas, Minister Kang expressed commitment to make diplomatic efforts in close communication with 7.4 million overseas Koreans to achieve peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula.

2. In addition, Minister Kang, bringing attention to the Foreign Ministry’s efforts in job creation, the top priority task of the new government, asked Korean enterprises at home and abroad to help young Koreans become next-generation entrepreneurs by offering them opportunities to build presence overseas and good-quality jobs under the “Korean Business Youth Internship” program.

※ The Korean Business Youth Internship is a program created by the Overseas Koreans Foundation to pave the way for young Koreans’ presence overseas with the support of the world-wide network of Korean businesses.

- Following its pilot program held in 2015-2016, in which 54 young Koreans took part and after which 24 were hired, the Internship program is in full swing from 2017.

- As of October 2017, 106 interns have been recruited, with an additional 100 expected to be selected during the Convention.

3. Minister Kang asked Korean entrepreneurs from across the world to cooperate actively in the efforts to make a success of the 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, which will take place in February 2018.

4. The 16th World Korean Business Convention, held in Changwon, Gyeongsangnam-do, from October 25 till 27 under the theme of “the better Hansang (Korean entrepreneurs) for better Korea,” consists of various programs, including a business networking seminar, one-on-one business meetings, and a “Hansang & Youth Go Together” program. The event is expected to serve as a significant opportunity to create business opportunities and reinforce networks between Korean entrepreneurs at home and across the world, and to support young Koreans seeking job opportunities overseas.

※ During the World Korean Business Convention 2016 in Jeju, 6,955 consultations were held in the one-on-one meetings.


* unofficial translation