The APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Shenzhen is expected to create new opportunities for regional economic cooperation, with the Republic of Korea and China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region making contributions, a diplomat from the ROK said.

"I hope that the upcoming APEC (meeting) in Shenzhen will provide fresh momentum for regional cooperation, instilling greater confidence in businesses seeking to diversify their investments and build solid partnerships," said Seo Man-kyo, consul general of the ROK in Hong Kong.

With the ROK and HKSAR both APEC economies, Seo told China Daily that the two members can make meaningful contributions by supporting an open, predictable trade environment and enabling more businesses and individuals to benefit from digital transformation, backed by legal and institutional stability.

The APEC meeting will be held on Nov 18 and 19 in Shenzhen, a city in South China's Guangdong province adjoining the HKSAR, under the theme "Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together". It marks the third time China is hosting the top APEC event.

Apart from practical cooperation such as providing accessible and reliable information to businesses, coordinating trade procedures, and opportunities across markets, Seo said digitalization cooperation covering e-commerce, digital trade and fintech is also important for the ROK and HKSAR.

"I would particularly like to emphasize the role of SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) and the youth demographic," said Seo, noting the need to empower them to participate more fully in the opportunities provided by regional integration.

Before assuming his role as the ROK's envoy to the HKSAR in early October, Seo had visited the city more than 60 times as a seasoned China expert who spent over 30 years in Beijing's economic and business sector, and served as the vice-chairman of the Korean Chamber of Commerce in China and a research fellow at the Center for Korean Peninsula Studies at the Peking University.

Through the visits, Seo said he had come to appreciate Hong Kong's economic vitality as an international metropolis, as well as the professional expertise and capabilities of its people.

"Hong Kong serves as a crucial nexus connecting (South) Korea, the Chinese mainland, and the wider world," said Seo.

Largest trading partner

The ROK and HKSAR were each other's 7th largest trading partner in 2025, according to Hong Kong's Trade and Industry Department.

Hong Kong is also an important entrepot for merchandise trade between ROK and the Chinese mainland. Re-export trade between the two economies through the SAR amounted to HK$381.7 billion ($48.65 billion) in 2025.

Noting Hong Kong's position as a "superconnector", Seo said he looks beyond logistics and goods to professional services that businesses need when entering new markets.

The ROK's technological prowess, innovative production and ideas can synergize with Hong Kong's capital, professional services, and global networks to unlock potential in the Chinese mainland and beyond, Seo said, adding that he also seeks two-way connections helping Hong Kong enterprises find partners in the ROK.

Seo said he believes mutual understanding among the general public serves as a powerful engine for government-to-government exchanges.

Presented by the Korean Cultural Center in Hong Kong and the consulate, Festive Korea, a major event promoting cultural exchanges between the ROK and HKSAR, is being held in the city for its 16th edition.

"Many (South) Koreans, including myself, have come to better understand and cherish Hong Kong through its iconic films and music," said Seo.

"Similarly, Hong Kong residents engaging with (South) Korean culture will gain a deeper understanding of (South) Korea and its people."

Looking ahead, Seo said he hopes to promote not only government-level exchanges between the ROK and HKSAR but also the engagement of the private sector and citizens.

He also aims to diversify cooperation beyond the economy into fields such as education and legal services, and strengthen engagement with ROK media to give the public a more accurate and balanced understanding of Hong Kong's unique charm.

Contact the writer at kelly@chinadailyapac.com