Shanghai - Just after the Asia Electronics Expo Shanghai 2009 (AEES 2009) kicked off, there were a bunch of Shanghai reporters including CCTV who spoke to Kang hong-sik, director of the Market and Exhibition Center for Korea Electronics Association (KEA). While there was a huge crowd near the Korea pavilion, Mr. Kang answered the following questions with Shanghai-based reporters.
CCTV: How do you expect Korean companies to deal with exporting business to China in this great depression
Mr. Kang: Even though the world economy has been in a great depression for the past few quarters, Korean companies are doing their best to overcome the situation. Korean companies are producing more products because even domestic demand in Korea is increasing these days. That actually gives positive effects on making preparations for exporting business to China as well. Korea is focusing on developing cutting edge items in many fields, from semiconductors to components to all other products. We will hopefully be able to provide a lot of worthy products that appeal to Chinese firms and dealers because the Chinese market needs these superior Korean items.
China Enterprise News: As I heard, 45 Korean companies are participating in AEES 2009 this year. What could be the most technological difference between Korean LED products and Chinese LED products
Mr. Kang: Basically, we need to approach this question in a practical use and adaptation matter, not by technological differentiation itself. LED uses in the field of light and TV industries in Korea are really flourishing and that makes some parts of Korean products ahead of China.
China Enterprise News: Korean products are so famous in China. Which product do you want to emphasize as one of the most excellent Korean products
Mr. Kang: If I have to choose only one, then I would choose Korean cellular phones because we have all OLED technologies in Korean cellular phones.
Shanghai Morning Post: Would you please introduce a little bit about Korean environmentally-friendly products
Mr. Kang: Basically, all the Korean products are produced by following the regulations of the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS) since 2006, and the Korean government even gives higher pressure on each company in regard to imposing its social responsibility and duty. Many of participants in AEES 2009 will also introduce their products in terms of energy savings and environmental friendliness. After this, I hope you check out the Korean booths.
International Finance News: What kind of things about China make Korean companies participate in AEES 2009 under this global depression
Mr. Kang: I think the consumer market in China would be very suitable for Korean products. As the scope of the Chinese market is the second rank in the world, Korea should be focusing on developing and producing the most suitable products for the Chinese market.
International Finance News: Which one of the fields is Korea focusing on the most
Mr. Kang: Korea is focusing on the components fields to finished products, including superior content and design to consumer goods and home appliances.
After finishing up the interview, KEA staff led members of the Shanghai press on a tour of Korean booths.
