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Korea Herald
22-05-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
[Africa Forum] Bridging Africa, Korea; building shared future
Seoul forum highlights growing Korea-Africa ties across trade, innovation, cultural exchange Seizing opportunities through innovative collaboration and targeted initiatives is critical to unlocking Africa's vast potential as a key engine of global growth and reinforcing Korea's strategic role in the continent's transformation. The Africa Day 2025 Korea-Africa Business Forum, held in Seoul under the theme 'Building Bridges, Creating Opportunities,' brought together over 800 distinguished guests from government, business and civil society. The forum served as a high-level platform to deepen strategic dialogue, reaffirming a shared commitment to elevate Korea-Africa cooperation amid a rapidly evolving trade and investment landscape. Jointly organized by the African Group of Ambassadors in Korea, Herald Media Group and The Korea-Africa Foundation, the event featured policy discussions, business talks and cultural celebrations, providing a dynamic venue to explore economic and diplomatic engagement across Africa — a continent of 1.4 billion people and immense opportunity. Moroccan Ambassador Chafik Rachadi, who also serves as dean of the African Group of Ambassadors in Korea, emphasized Africa's evolution from a continent of untapped promise to one of decisive action and opportunity while welcoming Korea's growing engagement. 'The Republic of Korea's decision to place Africa more prominently within its Indo-Pacific Strategy and broader foreign policy priorities stands as a signal of trust, mutual respect, and a shared vision for a more interconnected and inclusive future,' he said while delivering his opening remarks. Choi Jin-young, CEO and president of Herald Media Group, reflected on the progress made since the forum's first edition last year, which coincided with Korea's inaugural summit with African nations and marked Africa Day, commemorating the founding of the Organization of African Unity on May 25, 1963. 'Last year, under the theme 'When African Possibilities Meet Korean Capabilities,' we explored the potential for cooperation and a shared vision for the future. Now, just one year later, we have gathered here again to realize the spirit and values of Ubuntu — I am what I am because of who we all are.' Choi emphasized the growing relevance of Africa in areas such as information and communication technology; artificial intelligence; environmental, social and governance; and digital transformation, underscoring the importance of deepening partnerships to leverage these trends Park Jong-won, deputy minister of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, emphasized Korea's expanding economic footprint in Africa, citing projects in Morocco, Nigeria, Tanzania and South Africa. 'If Korea's advanced technological capabilities are combined with Africa's potential as a promising future market, significant synergies will be created in overcoming global trade risks and achieving mutual growth.' Park reaffirmed Korea's commitment to follow-up efforts on 12 government-to-government memorandums of understanding signed between Korea and 11 African countries, alongside ongoing negotiations for Economic Partnership Agreements. A panel discussion, moderated by Tunisian Ambassador Kais Darragi, explored future cooperation through skills development and innovation. Kenya Ambassador Emmy Kipsoi noted the importance of tailored capacity-building efforts and mutual respect in green industrialization and economic partnerships: 'Africa offers many complementary advantages for Korea ... it's essential that we explore collaboration in areas like green industrialization.' Um Sung-yong, executive director of the Export-Import Bank of Korea's EDCF Operation Group, called for enhanced support for infrastructure, healthcare and education projects via the Economic Development Cooperation Fund. 'If there are Korean investors in Africa, our governments should discuss how EDCF can support these initiatives,' one delegate said. Panelists included Timothy Dickens, chairman of the South African Chamber of Commerce; C&G Limited CEO Gloria Ineza; and Yook Euna, executive president of Middle East and Africa Business at Heerim Architects and Planners. The second half of the forum celebrated Africa Day with a performance by the Africa Insight Champion Choir, a group of African and Korean musicians performing 'Champions,' symbolizing unity and celebration. Welcome remarks were delivered by Ambassador Kim Young-chae, president of The Korea-Africa Foundation, and AGA Dean Rachadi. Kim noted that Korea-Africa ties are being strengthened through increased diplomatic presence, growing trade and investment and vibrant people-to-people and cultural exchanges. Ambassador Kung Ki-hong, special envoy for public diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, gave a congratulatory address. In his special remarks, Jeonbuk State Governor Kim Kwan-young emphasized the importance of subnational cooperation. 'The province regards Africa as a future partner for growth, and I believe that exchanges between local governments should be as active and prioritized as those between nations.' A standout highlight of the event was the vibrant fashion show, where diplomats and representatives from 13 African nations and Korea walked the runway, embodying cultural pride, unity and mutual respect. The showcase celebrated the rich textile heritage and diverse cultural identity of the African continent. Following the show, guests were treated to a festive banquet featuring hotel-prepared dishes and authentic African delicacies crafted by the spouses of ambassadors, a gesture of hospitality that underscored the spirit of community and cross-cultural exchange. The list of ambassadors from African countries who attended the Africa Day 2025 Korea-Africa Business Forum includes Amb. of Morocco Chafik Rachadi, Amb. of Kenya Emmy Jerono Kipsoi, Amb. of Angola Edgar Gaspar Martins, Amb. of Tanzania Togolani Edriss Mavura, Amb. of Egypt Khaled Abdel Rahman, Amb. of Senegal Abdou Salam Diallo, Amb. of Ethiopia Dessie Dalkie Dukamo, Amb. of Sudan Amira Agarib, Amb. of Zambia Andrew Banda, Amb. of Rwanda Bakuramutsa Nkubito Manzi, Amb. of Tunisia Kais Darragi, Amb. of South Africa Sindiswa Mququ, Amb. of Gabon Landry Mboumba, Amb. of Sierra Leone Paul Sobba Massaquoi, Amb. of Cote d'Ivoire Allou Wanyou Eugene Biti. Ghana Embassy charge d'affaires Akwasi A. Adomako, Nigerian Embassy charge d'affaires Jaho-Herbert Inex Omamoke, D.R. Congo Embassy Minister Counsellor Jean-Remy Likpala Kalonda and Algerian Embassy attache Rabah Khelladi also attended.
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Korea Herald
22-05-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
[Africa Forum] ‘Ubuntu spirit' guides Korea-Africa cooperation, says Herald CEO
Choi Jin-young, president and CEO of Herald Media Group, expressed hopes for deeper cooperation between Korea and Africa during the Africa Day 2025 Korea-Africa Business Forum held in Seoul on Wednesday. 'Last year, for the first time since the Republic of Korea was founded in 1948, the country welcomed African heads of state and explored ways to strengthen our ties and build a shared vision for the future,' Choi said in his welcoming remarks at the forum, referring to the Korea-Africa summit held in June last year. "Just a year later, we are meeting again in the spirit of South Africa's 'Ubuntu' — I am because we are — to take the next step forward.' Choi highlighted that meaningful progress has already been made since last year's summit, particularly in supporting Korean businesses seeking opportunities in African countries. He pointed to increased investment in infrastructure and growing mutual exchanges as signs of such progress. 'With a population of 1.4 billion, Africa is a continent full of opportunity,' he said. 'As it takes on a leading role in global issues such as (information and communications technology, artificial intelligence), digital transformation, and (environmental, social and governance), Africa is emerging as a key driver of global growth. At this pivotal moment, Korea must strengthen its strategic partnership with Africa — and Herald will be there every step of the way,' he said.
Korea Herald
15-05-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
Herald, AGA, KAF to co-host Africa Day 2025
Herald Media Group will co-host Africa Day 2025 Korea in collaboration with the African Group of Ambassadors representing 19 countries and the Korea-Africa Foundation, under the theme "Building Bridges, Creating Opportunities." The event will highlight progress in economic diplomacy with a business forum and a cultural gala in the evening. The first session, titled "Korea-Africa Business Forum," will explore pathways and strategies for mutual growth amid global uncertainties and supply chain disruptions. After opening remarks by co-hosts, Choi Jin-young, CEO of Herald Media Group, and Ambassador Chafik Rachadi of Morocco, who is also dean of the AGA, Deputy Minister of Trade Park Jongwon will deliver a congratulatory address. Ambassador Kais Darragi of Tunisia will moderate the panel discussion, "Korea-Africa Synergy in an Era of Disruption," featuring experts from Africa and South Korea — notably including Ambassador and professor Emmy Jerono Kipsoi of Kenya. The second session, titled "Africa Day Celebration," will commemorate African unity and friendship with Korea, beginning with a performance by the Africa Insight Champion Choir to showcase Korea–Africa musical harmony. Kim Young-chae, president of the Korea-Africa Foundation, and Rachadi will deliver welcoming remarks, followed by celebratory speeches from South Korea's Ambassador for Public Diplomacy Jung Kihong. A traditional costume fashion show will feature African and Korean creations by members of the diplomatic corps and co-hosts. Title: Africa Day 2025 Korea-Africa Business Forum Date: May 21, 2025 (4:30-8 p.m.) Venue: Grand Ballroom, Grand Hyatt Seoul sanjaykumar@
Korea Herald
15-05-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
Herald Media Group to co-host Africa Day 2025
Herald Media Group will co-host Africa Day 2025 Korea in collaboration with the African Group of Ambassadors representing 19 countries and the Korea-Africa Foundation, under the theme "Building Bridges, Creating Opportunities." The event will highlight progress in economic diplomacy with a business forum and a cultural gala in the evening. The first session, titled "Korea-Africa Business Forum," will explore pathways and strategies for mutual growth amid global uncertainties and supply chain disruptions. After opening remarks by co-hosts, Choi Jin-young, CEO of Herald Media Group, and Ambassador Chafik Rachadi of Morocco, who is also dean of the AGA, Deputy Minister of Trade Park Jongwon will deliver a congratulatory address. Ambassador Kais Darragi of Tunisia will moderate the panel discussion, "Korea-Africa Synergy in an Era of Disruption," featuring experts from Africa and South Korea — notably including Ambassador and professor Emmy Jerono Kipsoi of Kenya. The second session, titled "Africa Day Celebration," will commemorate African unity and friendship with Korea, beginning with a performance by the Africa Insight Champion Choir to showcase Korea–Africa musical harmony. Kim Young-chae, president of the Korea-Africa Foundation, and Rachadi will deliver welcoming remarks, followed by celebratory speeches from South Korea's Ambassador for Public Diplomacy Jung Kihong. A traditional costume fashion show will feature African and Korean creations by members of the diplomatic corps and co-hosts. Title: Africa Day 2025 Korea-Africa Business Forum Date: May 21, 2025 (4:30-8 p.m.) Venue: Grand Ballroom, Grand Hyatt Seoul sanjaykumar@
Korea Herald
03-04-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
Where stationery is a lifestyle
Inventario 2025 fair curates tools of everyday life as art The bustling halls of Coex in Seoul are alive with the sounds of the soft scratch of pens on paper this weekend as 29CM, the e-commerce platform known for its curated lifestyle products, hosts its first-ever offline stationery fair, Inventario: 2025. The event, which runs through Sunday, reflects a significant shift in the stationery market -- moving beyond traditional office supplies to embrace products that reflect personal tastes and creative expression. The name "Inventario" -- taken from the Spanish word for "inventory" -- gives a hint at the spirit of the event: a catalog, an archive, a living collection of stories told through the tools we use daily. Inside, it's a creative playground where visitors can explore how stationery has evolved from simple necessities to customized, lifestyle-defining pieces. What was once just a pencil or a planner is now a way to communicate personal style. Curated by 29CM and Point of View, the premium stationery store, Inventario: 2025 showcases an array of over 69 brands -- ranging from well-established giants to rising stars in the stationery world. Walking through the exhibit feels like entering a gallery of tactile art -- each booth a curated masterpiece, each product a conversation starter. There's an overwhelming sense that these aren't just tools, but objects of personal identity. Point of View, known as the 'stationery shop for adults,' has worked with 29CM for five years, during which their partnership has seen significant growth — sales surged more than tenfold in 2024. The growing demand for personalized stationery is evident, with 29CM reporting a threefold increase in stationery sales from January to March 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. The majority of this demand comes from women aged 25 to 39, who are increasingly using stationery as a form of personal expression. The fair is not just about browsing beautiful products. Inventario: 2025 aims to offer an interactive playground for creativity. Visitors can dive into hands-on activities from creating art pieces, or testing their stamping skills at the 'Layers Together' zone. Here, five celebrated illustrators invite attendees to create their own pieces using their stamp designs. The room is buzzing with energy as visitors experiment with textures, colors and compositions — transforming ordinary paper into personal masterpieces. One of the fair's most intriguing features is Point of View's special exhibition, which offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the creative processes of contemporary artists. The tools used by 10 prominent creators including Choi Jin-young -- pens, brushes and pencils -- are on display, each telling a story of how stationery plays an integral role in artistic vision. Exclusive collaborations are another highlight. Global Chemical, a venerable brand with over 60 years of history, has teamed up with the up-and-coming Kitty Bunny Pony to release a limited-edition, eight-color pencil set. This isn't your childhood crayon box -- it's a reimagined childhood nostalgia, designed with adult tastes in mind. In another collaboration, Hwarang, a local eraser manufacturer with more than 70 years of experience, has partnered with OIMU, a brand reinterpreting Korean culture through modern design, to create a redesigned jumbo rubber eraser with Korean-inspired illustrations. Several popular brands are also featured at the fair. Mohs, a design studio known for its bold geometric patterns and vibrant color schemes, showcases products, including diaries and cup coasters, that have gained significant popularity. Warmgrey Tail, a brand inspired by nature, is also on display, offering unique illustrations for items such as posters, fabric goods and tableware. Their Bunny Bunny Face Towel has become a popular gift item, while their products continue to resonate with consumers seeking playful and distinctive designs for their living spaces. OIMU, a brand that merges traditional Korean cultural values with modern design, has also garnered attention for its products, such as bookmarks made from traditional hanbok lining fabric and incense sticks. OIMU recently collaborated with the Netflix series 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' in its merchandise.
