The 2026 China-South Korea Business Leaders Economic Conference was held in Shanghai from May 7 to 8. As the chair organization for China, Ge Haijiao, chairman of Bank of China, delivered the opening address and also gave a keynote speech on the current status of the China-South Korea economy and cooperation in emerging industries, and attended a meeting with Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng and representatives from over 20 South Korean enterprises, including Sohn Kyung Shik, chairman of CJ Group and Korea Enterprises Federation.

Ge mentioned that, as the first Chinese bank to enter the South Korean market, BOC has leveraged its financial strength to link the two markets and serve enterprises in both countries. It has achieved full service coverage for Fortune Global 500 companies in South Korea and has invited over 400 South Korean enterprises to participate in national-level exhibitions in China, including the China International Import Expo and China International Consumer Products Expo, allowing them to share the opportunities of China's market.

Ge stated that BOC will leverage its global expertise and comprehensive services to facilitate emerging technologies and industries. Capitalizing on Shanghai's strength as a sci-tech innovation hub and the industrial ecosystem of the Yangtze River Delta, BOC will accelerate the upgrade of economic and trade relations between China and South Korea toward high-value-added and innovation-driven cooperation, with focus on key industries including semiconductors, high-end equipment, artificial intelligence and new energy vehicles. 

Focusing on green technology transition, green project implementation, and the overseas expansion of green equipment, BOC will continue to provide its green services, expand the supply of green credit, bonds and leasing products to help both countries explore new growth points in the green economy. 

Furthermore, BOC will deepen the cooperation between the two countries by supporting South Korean enterprises to increase their investments and expanding their presence in China, seizing the development opportunities of China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30). BOC stands ready to commit more resources and improve service efficiency and quality, promoting a higher level of economic and trade cooperation with all sectors in China and South Korea.

As a high-level dialogue mechanism between the Chinese and South Korean business communities, the conference provides a practical platform for building consensus, business matchmaking and facilitating cooperation. BOC has served as the chair organization for the Chinese side at the conference since 2018.

Yang Jun, executive vice-president of Bank of China, also participated in the event.