Press releases, 2004-09-21

First Korean Business Forum in the Höchst Industrial Park

Han-Main Business Center introduces Korean companies to the Rhine-Main location

Around 40 representatives of Korean companies were provided with information about the Frankfurt/Rhine-Main location, cooperation opportunities and entry to the European markets during the Business Forum held in the Höchst Industrial Park on September 21, 2004. The event was organized by the Han-Main Business Center (HMBC), a joint project of Digital Unit Communications Europe GmbH (DUCC) and the Industrial Park operator Infraserv Höchst in cooperation with Daedok/Daegu Valley Venture Association and Daegu Technopark, Administration for Small and Middle Business/Daedok. HMBC consultants have made their services available to interested Korean companies for several months. While the Business Forum itself was created as a platform from which to enter the European market, the event also served to provide the Korean participants with more detailed information. At the same time, the Korean business representatives took the opportunity to exchange experiences. And the event naturally also gave the participants an insight into the benefits of the Industrial Park as a business location.

International companies like Daewoo, Samsung or Hyundai have long become established in the Rhine-Main region and thus on the German and European markets. The second half of the one-day event was primarily used for direct dialog between various Korean and German companies. The morning program centered around presenting the Frankfurt/Rhine-Main location and all its opportunities.

The airport as a site advantage

Walter Engelmann, deputy managing director of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Frankfurt (IHK), stressed that apart from the region’s economic clout and its central position in the heart of Europe, it was above all the airport in Frankfurt that constituted an invaluable advantage for Korean companies. The excellent connections to Korea, but equally to all the European countries and here especially to markets in eastern Europe made Frankfurt attractive as a location. He added, “You can simply reach your business partners more quickly from Frankfurt.” He also pointed out that Frankfurt had the largest Korean business community in Europe. As a result, Korean companies find Frankfurt offers ideal conditions for a successful start in Europe. Jörn Siegle informed the event participants about the support services provided by Wirschaftsförderung Frankfurt GmbH (Frankfurt Economic Development GmbH) for companies interested in Frankfurt as a business location. The company offers special consulting services and focuses on companies from the Far East.

The General Consulate, which is situated in Frankfurt, is an important port of call for Korean investors. Vice Consul General Kim encouraged the company representatives to make use of these services. He also thanked the HMBC organizers and the Infraserv Höchst hosts, whose commitment to Korean companies not only ensured economic benefits, but also contributed to people of both nations being able to get to know one another better.

Dr. Kreuziger: great respect for Korea’s development

The participants were welcomed by Dr. Dieter Kreuziger, the managing director of Infraserv. “Korea’s development is extremely impressive. We have great respect for your country’s developments in the fields of technology, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology,” said Dr. Kreuziger. Up to now he has always found that enthusiasm and creativity are particularly important attributes in Korean companies. “In Hesse and above all in Frankfurt you will find ideal conditions for your company to develop,” said Dr. Kreuziger by way of promoting both the federal state and the Höchst Industrial Park. The strong combination of research and production in connection with the academic environment made up of universities and research facilities, as well as the complete infrastructure at the site, provide ideal framework conditions for companies.

The Industrial Park was presented in great detail by Dr. Andreas Brockmeyer, Head of Site Marketing/External Site Management at Infraserv Höchst. He quoted some impressive figures: 80 companies with a workforce of 22,000 employees operate in the 4.6-square kilometer Höchst Industrial Park, 89 hectares of fully developed space are available for new tenants. The fact that the site is booming is evidenced by further figures: 66 new tenancies creating 2,400 new jobs were recorded between 2000 and 2003. During this time, companies based in the Industrial Park invested more than EUR 1.6 billion in the site. As the site operator, Infraserv Höchst offers numerous industrial services, from power supply through waste disposal, logistics services and facility management services, right up to health, safety, training and pilot plant services.

Han-Main Business Center: start assistance for Korean companies

Dr. Brockmeyer also presented the Han-Main Business Center (HMBC), whose primary task is to provide assistance for Korean companies entering European markets. Interested companies can benefit from the network of companies that are located at the site. In addition, HMBC supports companies in meeting up with the right people in government authorities and institutions, in the political and social spheres, in industrial associations and specialist committees or in making contact with other companies.

As business partners of Infraserv Höchst, the representatives of Digital Unit Communications Europe GmbH (DUCC) are well versed in bridging language barriers and cultural divides. The experienced DUCC employees, who are fluent in Korean, are aware of the differences in mentality that can play a part in business life and can ensure smooth communication between potential business partners. Dr. Brockmeyer made companies that are interested in the Höchst Industrial Park as a business location a special offer: use of office and laboratory space for a period of two years in return for an equity interest, via which Infraserv Höchst shares the entrepreneurial risk.

Combined with an informative guided tour of the Industrial Park and a sightseeing tour of Frankfurt, during which the Korean guests had a chance to try typical specialties of the region, the Business Forum event at the Han-Main Business Center was a complete success.