The First Korea-Mali Business Cooperation Forum

Together with World Federation of Korean Business (WFKB), M.K International Inc. and Mali Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIM) organized the first Korea-Mali Business Cooperation Forum at the Mapo Seoul Garden Hotel, Seoul (2/12), with the aim to increase people’s understanding of the Republic of Mali, to promote trade relations between the two countries, and to support Korean entrepreneurs expand their business network in Mali, West Africa. The forum was attended by approximately 200 participants including Ambassadors, top management of domestic companies, government representatives, and Malian delegations

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between both countries in 1990, the Korea-Mali Business Cooperation Forum held on February 12, 2019 marked the first international conference for both sides to discuss, exchange ideas, create new opportunities, and strengthen their relationship.

The forum started with a traditional performance of “Great Singers Park Jung Wook and Percussion Instrument Ensemble Boom-Boom (박정욱 명창과 타악앙상블 붐붐).

M.K International Inc. and Asia-Africa Business Council of UN Initiatives Chairman, Dr. Hae-Jung Jung lauded Africa and its people for being resilient and aspiring to transform Africa as the engine for the future economic prosperity of the world, in his opening remarks. He further added that the forum’s aim was to address challenges by focusing on investment financing and trading between the two nations and was an excellent chance to share success stories as well as best practices by the participants.

Hoping that the economic mission of delegates from Mali to Seoul, Korea will bring a fruitful partnership, Vice President of CCIM, Mr. Issa Yattassye started his welcoming speech from the Malian delegation with attention quickly moving to find a common ground of interest.

“Through this cooperation forum, a new economic and commercial expansion will be brought, which will lead to mutual benefits for both South Korea and Mali,” said a representative of the Ministry of Commerce for the Republic of Mali, Madam Diarrah Assa Sylla during her welcoming remarks.

Continuing the welcoming remarks, Prof. Sang-Duk Kim/Chairman of WFKB started his speech from the South Korean side, followed by Mr. Oh G.S, Representative of the main opposition party, Minjoo Party, and Mr. Dong-Hwan Choi, Former Ambassador to the Republic of Senegal and President of Africa Insight.

At the end of the forum, a signing ceremony for the establishment of Korea-Mali Business Council (KMBC) was held and closed with a gift exchange, performances from K-Star Entertainment and Nam San Art Institutes, and official dinner.

During their one week in Korea, the Malian delegation also visited various companies and project sites to Coreana Cosmetics in Cheonan city, Genesis BBQ Chicken University in Icheon city, INNO Group in Bucheon city, among others.

On February 15, the forum officially came to a close with the signing five Memoranda of Understanding between Malian enterprises and domestic Korean companies.