Korean and Chinese SMEs discussed ways to expand bilateral green partnerships in a forum on Nov. 29 in Qingdao, Shandong province, China.

The forum, hosted by ASEIC, was held after the Chinese government pledged to invest in projects that would move it toward a green economy in July.

According to China’s green road map, China will invest more than 2 trillion yuan ($315 billion) over the next five years into opportunities in the country’s burgeoning energy-saving sector. Under the road map, China must improve its competitive edge to compete internationally by further developing its technologies and infrastructure in the sector. 

“Korean and Chinese SMEs could create a win-win partnership in green businesses as Korea has affluent experience in these areas, while China has a market,” an ASEIC official said.

In the forum, Korean and Chinese speakers from SMEs and government officials spoke about market opportunities and ways to create green partnerships between Korean and Chinese SMEs.

Kang Hee-jung, a professor from Hanbat National University, stressed the need for studies on bilateral green partnerships between the academic and corporate worlds.

Song Won-man from the Korea Association for Photonics Industry Development presented a successful case of a Korean light-emitting diode company, which penetrated the Russian market in cooperation with local partner firms.

A business matching session for participating Korean and Chinese SMEs came following the presentation session. Some of them discussed details of partnership in their green business.

After the forum, Korean SMEs also visited the production site of Chinese SMEs to raise understanding of their investment in green business.

ASEIC will continue to host forums with Chinese counterparts in a bid to support local SMEs to find local partners and green business opportunities in China.

By Seo Jee-yeon  (jyseo@heraldcorp.com)