Symposium to spur cooperation between Hwaseong city and Hanoi

Michelle Park

The symposium, hosted by Korean-backed Mirae N Limited, aims to lay the groundwork for a long-term and sustainable business cooperation between the parties as well as create a platform for women entrepreneurs in Korea’s Hwaseong city and Hanoi to present their businesses, exchange experience, and seek investment opportunities.

According to Michelle Park, chairwoman of Hwaseong City Women Entrepreneurs Association (HWEA), the city (just one hour from Seoul’s city centre) is home to 30 major businesses and about 7,000-8,000 small and medium-sized businesses.

It also hosts R&D centres and the production units of leading Korean industrial groups like Samsung Electronics and Hyundai (the Kia brand, particularly), leading to the presence of numerous satellite units producing components to supply these major players.

“Coming to Vietnam this time, we seek to propel international exchange, helping member units increase business opportunities to avail themselves of their advantages and gain more experience to tackle weaknesses.”

“I expect exchanges like today’s will help women entrepreneurs in both South Korea and Vietnam learn more useful things for their business. During this visit, we hope to establish relations with more Vietnamese companies to be able to boost exchanges in the upcoming time,” Park added.

According to a study by leading management consultancy firm McKinsey, Hwaseong city has the potential to grow into one of the richest cities in the world by 2025 leveraging its industrial and IT strength.

Park is also the CEO of Ecoco Limited which was founded in 2000 and is specialised in producing algae-preventing water treatment equipment using sunlight, water plant eliminating machines, and decanting devices.

“Our company works in the field of water treatment. I think Vietnam has ample water resources, so environmental treatment might be a concern. If possible, we want to engage in technology transfer with the Vietnamese side or sell products to Vietnam.”

“As Vietnam is rich in water resources, the country may have useful experience and technology in water treatment. After a survey, if we find the conditions suitable, we may import equipment or technology back to Korea,” Park told VIR.

“Our products have been sold in many countries, including the US, and we are looking to open an agent here in Vietnam to commercialise our products,” she added.

Min Ji Young, CEO of another HWEA member unit S Feel Princess Story operating in fashion accessories manufacturing and sales, said, “Our products have been on the shelves of major supermarkets across Korea, but we do not have stores abroad yet, so we decided to join the tour to Vietnam and expect further cooperation in the country.”

“I see that many young Vietnamese people favour Korean products, particularly those of Korean stars.”

S Feel Princess Story is named among leading Korean businesses certified by Korean authorised agencies in respect to brand development.

“Today’s meeting marks the start of our cooperation, and I am confident in our augmented ties in the coming time,” said Dinh Thu Hoai, deputy chairwoman of Hanoi Women Entrepreneurs Association.

"Many our members are fond of using Korean goods. Not only potential customers, we can act as your companies’ reliable partners in producing and distributing products in the Vietnamese market.”

Founded in 1999, Hwaseong City Women Entrepreneurs Association consists of 52 members. 75 per cent of the members work in the manufacturing industry, 13 per cent in retail and wholesale, and the remaining 12 per cent in the services sector.

Here below are some images in the symposium: