City of Iksan, South Korea to Develop Food Cluster With Help From Europe

The European Union Chamber of Commerce in Korea (EUCCK) earlier this month signed a memorandum of understanding with representatives from the city of Iksan, in the North Jeolla Province to build a food cluster in the city.

Under the agreement, both the EUCCK and Iksan will attempt to attract food companies and research institutes from both at home and abroad. In particular, European firms are major targets. Iksan is already contemplating how to best market the cluster internationally, and is planning to have a cluster pavilion at SIAL France 2010 Food Expo

Acknowledging Europe’s increasingly competitive food processing and food production industry, and the continent’s track record in developing successful clusters, Ikan has developed a plan to build what they refer to a “Foodopolis”. This will be a comprehensive food complex, involving literally everything needed by the food industry.

EUCCK will act as an outreach to European companies looking to establish partnerships or operations in South Korea. The organization has a significant track record in attracting companies to Korea – recently Danone invested in Muju, near Iksan.