[Interview] "Korea's Semiconductor and Germany's Software Synergy... New Supply Chain Opportunities Emerge"

Marie Antonia von Schoenburg, Head of the Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Over 20 Years of Chamber Experience, Former Head of German Chamber in Sri Lanka
"Korea, a Key Hub for Semiconductors and Mobility in Asia-Pacific"
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"If we combine Germany's solid industrial base with Korea's semiconductor and manufacturing capabilities, we can build a highly resilient and diversified supply chain."

Marie Antonia von Schoenburg, Representative of the Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KGCCI), stated this in an interview with The Asia Business Daily at the KGCCI headquarters in Jongno-gu, Seoul on May 7, 2026. She added, "The recent geopolitical risks could present new opportunities for both Korea and Germany."

She emphasized, "The recent tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and the sharp rise in energy prices clearly demonstrate how vulnerable the global system still is," and stressed that "policy coordination and trust-based partnerships are more important than ever."

She identified mobility, artificial intelligence (AI), batteries, and eco-friendly technology as key areas of opportunity. In particular, she highlighted Germany's software capabilities, adding, "Collaborating with Korea's AI technology will create significant synergies, as in the era of 'Industry 4.0'." She further explained that Korea, based on its competitiveness in semiconductors, mobility, and digital technology, as well as its deep integration into global value chains, serves as a key hub for German companies in the Asia-Pacific region.

Marie Antonia von Schoenburg, Representative of the Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is interviewing with The Asia Business Daily at the Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 7th. Photo by Jinhyung Kang

Having marked her first anniversary as Representative, von Schoenburg is an expert with over 20 years of experience in international business and chambers of commerce. She began her career in 2000 at the German Chamber of Commerce in Spain, served as the head of the German Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka, and has been leading the Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry since last year.

Throughout the past year, Representative von Schoenburg has worked to strengthen the reliability of the chamber as a platform connecting Korean and German companies. Established in 1981, the KGCCI is the second largest foreign chamber of commerce in Korea after the American chamber, with more than 500 member companies including German brands such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Porsche. She said, "German companies have a positive view of the Korean market, and there is a lot of interest because the Korean market itself is dynamic."

Marie Antonia von Schönburg, Representative of the Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is posing ahead of an interview with The Asia Business Daily on the 7th at the Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang

The KGCCI is currently acting as a gateway linking startups and new technologies through initiatives such as 'KG Connect (Korea-Germany Connect)', and is focusing on promoting cooperation between the two countries.

In addition, through the vocational training program 'Ausbildung', which celebrates its 9th anniversary this year, the chamber is also committed to fostering talent that connects industries between the two countries.

The KGCCI is also preparing to host the 'Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business (APK) 2026' in Seoul this October. She remarked, "The fact that this event is being held in Seoul demonstrates that Korea has firmly established itself as one of Germany's most important strategic partners in the Indo-Pacific region," and said, "The main topics will focus on key areas where our two countries must move forward together, such as sustainability, AI, and digital transformation."

The goal of the KGCCI is to further strengthen its role as a strategic bridge connecting Korea and Germany. She expressed her vision by stating, "We aim to develop into a platform that encompasses not only business cooperation, but also innovation, sustainability, talent development, and cross-cultural exchange," and added, "In the medium to long term, the two countries will further expand cooperation in various future industries, and the KGCCI will play an active role in creating new opportunities."

Marie Antonia von Schoenburg, Representative of the Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KGCCI)

▲Bachelor's in Business Administration, University of Passau, Germany; Bachelor's in International Marketing, National University of Ireland, Dublin

▲Completed MBA program, The Power Business School, Spain

▲2011–2022: Branch Manager of Barcelona and Head of Membership Management at the German Chamber of Commerce in Spain

▲2022–2025: Representative of the German Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka

▲2025–Present: Representative of the Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.