KOTRA and Samsung Heavy Industries showcase Korea’s industrial capabilities and opportunities for cooperation with Canada
The Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Vancouver hosted the 2026 Korean National Day Reception on October 1 at 6 p.m. local time in the Grand Ballroom of The Westin Bayshore. Consul General Kwangsuk Lee delivered welcoming remarks to Korean and Canadian guests gathered ahead of Korea’s National Foundation Day on October 3. The program combined a celebration of Korean culture and the Korean community’s contributions with presentations exploring opportunities for bilateral economic and industrial cooperation.
During the reception, Paul Choi, British Columbia’s Parliamentary Secretary for Trade, presented the province’s official proclamation recognizing October as Korean Heritage Month. In his remarks, Choi highlighted the sacrifices and contributions of first-generationHe described it as a symbol of friendship between Korea and Canada, particularly BC. His remarks also connected the legacy of earlier generations with the opportunities ahead for their descendants.
The Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), Soon-Jae Lee, Deputy Director of the Vancouver office outlined Korea’s export profile, manufacturing strengths and prospects for cooperation with Canada. Its presentation covered semiconductors, shipbuilding, artificial intelligence, biotechnology and healthcare, alongside opportunities in energy and logistics. A central theme was how Korea’s technological and manufacturing capabilities could complement Canada’s resources and industrial base.
Samsung Heavy Industries presented its shipbuilding and offshore engineering capabilities. Its presentation featured a next-generation floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) facility concept and explored opportunities to work with Canada’s LNG industry. The session broadened the view of Korean industry familiar to many through mobile phones and semiconductors, highlighting its role in infrastructure for energy production and transport.
In a toast, the president of the Canada Korea Business Association emphasized the people connecting the two countries’ futures. Families, students, entrepreneurs, veterans and the Korean Canadian community were recognized as foundations of the bilateral relationship. The remarks underscored the longstanding personal ties and trust that support cooperation in trade and security.
The cultural program included “The Korean Way,” a video introducing Korea’s traditions and innovation, and a Hangul calligraphy experience. Guests could have a chosen word or personal wish written in the Korean alphabet to take home as a keepsake, linking Korean culture to their own lives and aspirations. A taekwondo demonstration was also announced as a later part of the program.
The reception brought together the trust built by the Korean community and the industrial capabilities Korea can contribute to the partnership. The pairing of a heritage proclamation with corporate technology presentations illustrated two foundations of the bilateral relationship. The task ahead is to translate the affinity fostered through people and culture into concrete business partnerships and technological exchange.
Reporting from Vancouver
