Philippine Ambassador to Seoul Luis T. Cruz reported to the Department that three Philippine companies participated at the two-day Korea 2011 Premium Trade Fair held at COEX, Seoul on 16-17 November 2011. These include EEI Power Corporation, Botikang Pinoy and Chuan Lam Auto Supply.

The trade fair, which is being held for the first time, is a business matchmaking event aimed at maximizing the benefits of ASEAN-Korea FTA. Three other ASEAN countries were represented, together with more than one hundred companies worldwide and 1,000 Korean-based companies.
The event is sponsored by Korea International Trade Association (KITA). Aside from one-on-one meetings, special events include seminars on marketing strategies and Korean Best Products Show.
KITA Singapore Representative Office, which has jurisdiction over the Philippines, facilitated the participation of the three companies through KITA Executive Director Stephen Lee.
Ambassador Cruz said that participation of Philippine companies in such matchmaking events will increase their awareness of the benefits under AKFTA and will open opportunities for them to expand their cooperation with Korean companies. He expressed hope that more Philippine companies could join in similar events being organized by KITA.