Seoul hosts 2025 Foreign Company Day

Under the theme “Connecting the World, Inspiring the Future,” the 2025 Foreign Company Day was held late last week at a hotel in Seoul, bringing together diplomats and businesspeople.

In his welcome remarks, Seo Young-hoon, chairman of the Korea Foreign Company Association (FORCA), noted that despite global uncertainties driven by geopolitical tensions and supply-chain realignments, investment continues to expand in future-oriented sectors.

Included in the promising segments are artificial intelligence, semiconductors, renewable energy, and digital transformation.

Speaking on behalf of the Diplomatic Corps, EU Amb. Ugo Astuto stressed that “Connecting the World, Inspiring the Future” reflects a shared spirit of cooperation and forward-looking vision.

He added that when governments, industries, and enterprises collaborate across borders, they build stronger economies and a more sustainable and inclusive future.

Minister Kim Jung-kwan of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) discussed FORCA’s role as a trusted bridge between the Korean government and the foreign business community.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the investment environment, strengthening policy dialogue, and ensuring that Korea remains one of the most reliable destinations for global investors.

Following the awards ceremony, a panel discussion explored the future directions of AI and ESG, accompanied by presentations of ESG-related success stories.

Panelists examined ESG management strategies rooted in AI and digital technologies, shifts in the investment landscape amid global supply-chain transitions, and sustainable growth models that Korean and foreign-invested companies can build together.

In the subsequent session, Dassault Systèmes Korea shared practical ESG implementation cases, offering valuable insights for companies seeking to apply such practices in real-world management settings.

This year’s Foreign Company Day was well received for its rigorous award-selection process, dignified protocol, and timely agenda encompassing subjects such as AI and ESG.

A FORCA spokesperson stated that the organization will further strengthen communication and cooperation between foreign-invested companies and the Korean government, promote innovation, and reinforce sustainable growth centered on AI and ESG.

He added that FORCA will continue to serve as a trusted partner, fostering mutual development between Korea and the global business community.