“The ECCK has played and will continue to play a critical role in serving as the voice of European businesses in Korea”
In commemoration of the 5-year anniversary of the European
Chamber of Commerce in Korea (ECCK), the ECCK held a successful
networking reception in the evening of November 28 at the Seoul Dragon City.
EU Amb. Michael Reiterer & his spouse, Switzerland Amb. Linus
von Castelmur & Mrs. Francoise Gardies, spouse of Swiss Amb.,
Sweden Amb. Anne Hglund, Poland Amb. Piotr Ostaszewski were
on hand from the Diplomatic Corps. After the dissolution of former
EUCCK on June, 2012, ECCK has been a leading role to represent
European business community’s voice since then.
ECCK Chairman Dimitris Psillakis presenting their appreciation plague to CJ Group chairman Sohn Kyung-shik. during the opening ceremony (Courtesy: ECCK) |
First off, as regarding its Vision & Mission Statement, The
European Chamber of Commerce in Korea (ECCK) is committed
to advancing the interests of companies from European Union
(EU) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member states
operating in Korea. Furthermore, it cooperates with organizations
that share mutual interests to promote optimal business
environment and fairly represent the European business community.
To achieve these objectives, the ECCK focuses on: Ensuring a fair
and open business environment by facilitating dialogue with the
government, Collecting and disseminating information on the
business as well as economic and regulatory developments in
Korea and Europe, Creating networking opportunities for its
members, and last but not least Contributing to the Korean society
by supporting corporate social responsibility activities and promoting
good corporate governance practices.
To sum up its Background Information, The European Chamber
of Commerce in Korea (ECCK) is a distinguished association of
European companies operating in or related to Korea. By registering
with the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy (MOTIE), the ECCK
was officially founded as a non-profit, non-political organization
on December 3, 2012.
Established with the blessings of the EU Delegation and the European
business community in Korea, the ECCK’s primary objective is to provide its members with information,
communication, and access pertaining to the business and
regulatory environment of Korea. While European companies form
the largest membership base of the organization, the ECCK welcomes companies of all nationalities to join
and to share the membership benefits, according to ECCK Secretariat.
ECCK 5th anniversary reception held at the 31st floor of the newly-opened Seoul Dragon City. (Courtesy: ECCK) |
Entrusted with member’s mandate, the Board of Director presides
over the organization.
The Advisory Board embodies representatives of national chambers
and embassies, providing general guidance and advice. The Secretariat
functions to execute the Chamber’s day-to-day activities and operations.
The ECCK aims to promote a fair and open business environment by
facilitating dialogue between European corporations and the Korean
government all the while operating for the benefit of the Korean society.
ECCK 5th anniversary reception held at the 31st floor of the newly-opened Seoul Dragon City, attracted around 250 distinguished guests
including Dimitris Psillakis, ECCK Chairman and President & CEO of Mercedes-Benz Korea, Micahel Reiterer, EU Ambassador to the Republic of Korea,
Sohn Kyung-shik, Chairman of CJ Group, as well as ECCK member companies,
European embassies, chambers of commerce, business councils, and
Korean government officials.
The reception opened with opening remarks by the ECCK Chairman
Dimitris Psillakis and EU Ambassador Michael Reiterer. In his opening
remarks, Chairman Psillakis addressed, “The ECCK has played and
will continue to play a critical role in serving as the voice of European
businesses in Korea. We will spare no effort to create a fairer and
open business environment, and ensure ongoing prosperity
between EU and Korea.”
During this remarks, EU Ambassador Reiterer thanked ECCK and
both European and Korean business communities for strengthening
the level of mutual cooperation and expanding business and investment
opportunities between EU-Korea. At the reception, the ECCK presented an appreciation plaque
to Mr. Sohn Kyung-shik, Chairman of CJ Group and Former Chairman of the Korea
Chamber of Commerce & Industry, expressing sincere gratitude for
his great contribution to the establishment of the ECCK in 2012.
In addition, the Chamber also presented a plaque of appreciation to
Mr. Chang Dae-hwan, Chairman of Maekyung Media Group, for the contribution
made towards the development of the global financial industry and EU-Korea business relations. Today, the ECCK consists of 350 member
companies, representing 60,000 European employees in Korea,
according to ECCK.
Separately to this, co-hosted by the ECCK and EU Delegation to
Korea, the ‘2017 EU
Research & Innovation Day’ was held at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul
on November 23 prior to 5 days ago. Attended by more than 300
participants, the R&I day was successfully concluded with each
attendee carrying home the knowledge and expertise shared by
experts in the field of research & innovation from Europe and
Korea, according to ECCK.