Made in Korea (MIK 2012), a pioneering exhibition showcasing products, services and technologies from South Korea, opened today (May 21) at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

Organised by Ideal Idea Events, the expo was inaugurated by Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, and will run until May 23.

The event has gathered more than 150 high-profile Korean exhibitors from a wide range of industries including tourism, automotive, engineering, metal, hospitality, textile, electrical, chemicals, rubber & plastics, power, healthcare, ICT, media, construction, furniture, fashion and sport.

Representatives from Korean government agencies and regulatory authorities are also present to meet with their counterparts from various Arab countries.

Several high profile dignitaries including Hong Suk-woo, South Korean Minister of Knowledge Economy; South Korean Ambassador to UAE; President of the Korean Trade Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA); representatives from South Korean government agencies and regulatory authorities; and the chairman of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry were present during the opening ceremony.

“In just a span of a few decades, the UAE and South Korea have emerged as two of the most remarkable success stories of the global economy. While the UAE has drawn on its vast carbon resources to prevail as an ‘oil powerhouse,’ Korea has blossomed into an industrial haven,” said Sheikha Lubna.

“Both nations have vigorously upheld free-market principles and have joined the ranks of the world’s major economies within a relatively short period of time. MIK 2012 reflects our parallel development as we pursue our separate and mutual paths to progress.”

“One common factor we take pride in is our exceptional focus on trade as a catalyst for development. Trade between South Korea and the UAE in 2012 is poised to top last year’s figure of $20 billion, buoyed by the growing commercial ties between our nations.

“South Korean President Lee Myung-bak has already made two state visits to the UAE in less than two years, and with the support of UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has forged a number of landmark cooperative agreements aimed at taking our business and investment relations to the next level,” Sheikha Lubna added.

Faisal Al Raisi, managing partner at Ideal Idea Events, said: “We believe that Made in Korea 2012 will serve as a catalyst to further boost trade relations between South Korea and the GCC, especially the UAE.”

“The event provides a dedicated business-to-business networking platform, while creating a unique and ideal venue to promote cultural understanding, which will contribute to strengthening economic ties with South Korea.”

During the event, the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry is organising business-to-business meetings for the business community of the UAE and the GCC region.

MIK 2012 is also expected to welcome over 25,000 visitors over three days, to 14,000 sq m of prime exhibition space and a conference agenda featuring prominent international speakers. – TradeArabia News Service