Looking for information about business opportunities in South Korea?
Instead of flying across the Pacific, interested entrepreneurs in Red Deer can drive across Hwy 2 next Friday.
A delegation from the South Korean province of Gyeongsangbuk will conduct an orientation session in the Red Deer County building on June 18 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
They’ll be here as guests of Red Deer Regional Economic Development, with Central Alberta one of a number of stops they’ll be making.
“They seem to be primarily interested in agriculture, so that’s how they ended up here,” said Mandi Carroll, the county’s economic development co-ordinator.
But, she added, local business people attending needn’t be involved in agriculture to benefit.
“I think any of the industries here could certainly see opportunities for doing business in South Korea.”
Topics to be discussed will include business exchanges involving Canada and South Korea, funding and incentives for Canadian projects, information about Korean tax laws and transferring funds, and specific investment opportunities in Gyeongsangbuk and the County of Cheongsong.
The delegation will include the deputy mayor of the County of Cheongsong, the senior manager and the deputy of the county’s culture and tourism department, investment consultants and other officials.
Anyone interested in taking part in the orientation should register with Carroll by June 16. They can do so by calling 403-3578-2395.
The South Koreans aren’t the only foreigners checking out this region. Last week, a trade commissioner from the Netherlands visited.
Carroll said he was here as a result of the foreign direct investment initiative being spearheaded by Red Deer Regional Economic Development and Central Alberta Economic Partnership. And the trip is already bearing fruit.
“They’re going to be following up with three companies that are interested in partnership opportunities and just learning about our different industries,” said Carroll, adding that all are bioenergy-related and they are scheduled to tour the region next week.
“They’re looking to invest.”
hrichards@www.reddeeradvocate.com