Gwangyang Free Economic Zone Authority and Consulate General of China in Gwangju Discuss Strategies to Attract Corporate Investment

by Heo Seonsik

Published 08 Jan.2025 15:53(KST)

Updated 28 Jul.2025 08:45(KST)

Expanding Cooperation in Secondary Batteries and ESS Fields

The Gwangyang Bay Area Free Economic Zone Authority (Commissioner Koo Chung-gon, hereinafter referred to as GFEZ Authority) held a meeting on the 8th at the GFEZ Authority office with Gu Jingqi, Consul General of China in Gwangju, to discuss ways to promote economic, trade, and investment cooperation between China and the Gwangyang Bay Area.

On this day, Commissioner Koo Chung-gon of the GFEZ Authority held extensive discussions on various issues, including the current status of Chinese corporate investment in the Gwangyang Bay Area and ways to expand trade and investment between GFEZ and China.

On the 8th, the Gwangyang Free Economic Zone Authority met with Gu Jingqi, Consul General of China in Gwangju, at the Free Economic Zone Authority to discuss plans to revitalize economic, trade, and investment activities between China and the Gwangyang Bay area. Provided by Gwangyang Free Economic Zone Authority

In particular, he emphasized that the Gwangyang Bay Area is an attractive investment destination for Chinese investors due to Korea's FTA platform, the excellent export and import environment of Gwangyang Port, and low land lease fees. He requested active promotion and cooperation from the Chinese Consulate General.

Consul General Gu Jingqi mentioned that investment by Chinese companies in the fields of metal processing, secondary battery materials, and energy storage systems (ESS) is gradually increasing in the Gwangyang Bay Area. He expressed his gratitude for the GFEZ Authority's interest and support for Chinese companies, and suggested, "Let us continue to work together so that Chinese companies comply with Korean laws and coexist with the local community."

Commissioner Koo Chung-gon first expressed his appreciation for the recent visa-free policy of the Chinese government, which has facilitated active exchanges between the two countries in economic, investment, and cultural fields. He also stated, "Of the 49 foreign-invested companies in the Gwangyang Bay Area, 24 are from Greater China, and this region is very important as it is the third location, after Jeju and Busan, where the Chinese Chamber of Commerce Jeonnam Branch has been established. Going forward, we will work closely with the Gwangju Consulate General to further attract investment from Chinese companies in the secondary battery materials and ESS sectors."