S. Korean consul general: APEC meetings can boost regional cooperation

Shenzhen’s hosting of the APEC meetings in November will bring fresh momentum to the city and China as a whole, while creating opportunities for closer cooperation across East Asia, including between China and South Korea, Jang Je-hak, consul general of the Republic of Korea in Guangzhou, said in an interview with Shenzhen Daily at the 2026 Korea Business Expo Shenzhen on Friday.

“Shenzhen is already famous worldwide, and holding the APEC summit will add big momentum to this city and China as a whole,” Jang said. “Of course, it will also benefit East Asia, including South Korea.”

Jang Je-hak, consul general of the Republic of Korea in Guangzhou, speaks during an interview with Shenzhen Daily at the 2026 Korea Business Expo Shenzhen. Photo by Ni Yongping

Jang sees the APEC meetings as more than a platform for economic discussions. He said the gathering will give people from different sectors an opportunity to reflect on the region’s future and explore ways to work together for the common good.

“It is a really good chance not only for businesspeople, but also for people from all walks of life to take time to think about what our future will be and should be, and how we can work together to make a better future for people around the world,” he said.

Regarding China-South Korea cooperation, Jang acknowledged that competition and collaboration are both part of economic relations. He emphasized the importance of working together to achieve better outcomes and create opportunities for future generations.

“I think it is time for us to think about what we can achieve for the better future of our next generation,” he said.Jang made the remarks while attending the 2026 Korea Business Expo Shenzhen, organized by the World Federation of Overseas Korean Economic and Trade Associations (World-OKTA). The event brings together Korean businesspeople and companies seeking to expand into overseas markets. This year marks the expo’s first appearance in China, with Shenzhen selected as the host city.

Humanoid robots perform at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Korea Business Expo Shenzhen. Courtesy of event organizer

Jang said the expo offers a valuable opportunity for Korean and Chinese businesspeople to meet, explore partnerships and pursue shared goals.

He was also impressed by a robot performance at the expo’s opening ceremony. He said the display amazed many Korean attendees and that he had recorded the robots in action. He described the performance as an eye-opening demonstration of the possibilities of technological innovation and East Asia’s ability to develop technologies that capture global attention.

Looking ahead to the November APEC meetings, Jang summed up his hopes with a simple message: “A bright future and a big hope for the entire world.”
Source: ShenzhenDaily