Gyeongbuk TP to Lead Manufacturing Innovation in El Salvador with Korean-Style Digital Transformation Expertise

Gyeongbuk Technopark (Gyeongbuk TP) has officially launched its global technical guidance (TASK) project aimed at strengthening the manufacturing competitiveness of El Salvador in Central and South America.

Gyeongbuk TP announced that, on May 13, with support from the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT), it jointly conducted customized consulting and on-site precision diagnostics for local manufacturing companies in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in El Salvador and the Ministry of Economy of El Salvador (MINEC).

Provided by Gyeongbuk TP

For this project, a group of digital transformation (DX) experts—including Youngjin Kim, head of K-Consulting Research Institute, who led manufacturing innovation at large conglomerates such as Samsung Group for over 20 years—was dispatched and provided on-site advisory services alongside Salvadoran officials.

This expert group visited Garbal, a PVC shoe manufacturer with a 60-year history selected as a primary beneficiary, and presented a concrete roadmap for: securing real-time traceability in manufacturing processes, introducing automation systems for molding and packaging processes, and improving operational efficiency (OEE). Currently, El Salvador is facing a workforce shortage in the manufacturing sector, similar to Korea, making the adoption of DX urgent.

This project goes beyond simple technical support, aiming to establish a collaborative ecosystem among the private sector, government, and academia. It also seeks to revise engineering curricula with a focus on DX in cooperation with Don Bosco University in El Salvador.

Currently, a total of 10 major local companies—including Garbal, automation specialist Autocontrol, and sugar manufacturer Ingenio La Cabaña—are receiving customized support.

Starting with this advisory session, Gyeongbuk TP plans to invite Salvadoran company representatives to Korea for a benchmarking training program in August and to continue advanced advisory services with a second on-site visit in October.

Carlos Garcia, CEO of Garbal, said, “I was deeply impressed by the sharp diagnosis and concrete automation roadmap provided by the Korean experts. As we are already prepared to adopt technology, such as introducing small robots into our injection line, we are determined to actively implement Korean technology to innovate our manual processes and achieve our production goals.”

Additionally, Maria Luisa Hayem, Minister of Economy of El Salvador, stated, “This DX program will become a real growth engine that boosts productivity across Salvadoran industries and strengthens our competitiveness in the global market. We will further solidify our strategic partnership with Korea to accelerate industrial digital transformation.”

Ha Inseong, President of Gyeongbuk TP, commented, “This project is a meaningful opportunity for Gyeongbuk Technopark to leverage its accumulated know-how in spreading DX in manufacturing sites to the Central and South American market. We will spare no effort in providing close technical advisory support and building networks to ensure the successful establishment of the Korean-style DX DNA in Salvadoran manufacturing sites.”

Kwak Taeyeol, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to El Salvador, who visited the site in person, emphasized, “If Korea’s advanced technology and experience combine with El Salvador’s outstanding talent and spirit of innovation, it will create great synergy for both countries. El Salvador is an extremely important partner for building the future together.”

Meanwhile, this project is being jointly implemented by Gyeongbuk TP and the Korea Agro-Industry Foundation (KADI), progressing smoothly under close cooperation between both governments and related organizations.

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