(C) KOCHAM

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam - The Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry in South Central Vietnam (KOCHAM) has elected and inaugurated Choi Bun-do, Chairman of PTV Group, as its new president.

The election took place at the KOCHAM general assembly held at the New World Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City on the afternoon of January 5th. KOCHAM, officially authorized by the Vietnamese government and launched in 2003, is a major economic organization boasting over 800 member companies. Its membership includes large Korean conglomerates operating in Vietnam, such as Samsung and Hyosung, as well as businesses owned by the Korean diaspora.

KOCHAM's primary mission is to protect and promote the rights and interests of Korean companies in Vietnam. To achieve this, the organization engages in various exchange programs and collaborative projects with the Vietnamese government, Korean governmental bodies, and other foreign chambers of commerce operating in the country.

The newly elected President, Choi Bun-do, leads the PTV Group, a prominent company in Ho Chi Minh City specializing in integrated logistics services, including customs clearance and transportation. The PTV Group generates annual revenues of $80 million. Choi is an influential figure in the global Korean business community, having previously served as KOCHAM's Senior Vice President, a standing director for the World Federation of Korean Business Organizations (OKTA), a Leading CEO at the World Hansang Convention, and the Chairman of the Korean International School in Ho Chi Minh City.

In his inauguration address, President Choi articulated his vision for his two-year term, emphasizing KOCHAM's role as a staunch supporter of its members. He pledged to focus on three key areas: "KOCHAM staying by its members' side," "KOCHAM becoming a solution that helps resolve problems," and "KOCHAM where business leads to happiness." He committed to serving as a reliable backbone for the membership.

The inauguration ceremony drew an attendance of approximately 130 guests, highlighting the organization's regional importance. Notable attendees included Kang Myung-il, the Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Ho Chi Minh City, various government officials from Vietnam's Dong Nai, Long An, and Ba Ria-Vung Tau provinces, and representatives from the Japanese, Taiwanese, and American Chambers of Commerce in Vietnam.

President Choi's tenure begins at a critical time as trade and economic cooperation between Korea and Vietnam continue to deepen. His extensive experience in both the Vietnamese market and the broader international Korean business network is expected to bolster KOCHAM's capacity to navigate complex business environments and further strengthen the economic ties between the two nations. His leadership is anticipated to elevate KOCHAM’s standing as the authoritative voice for Korean enterprises in the South Central region of Vietnam.

Analysis: New Leadership Poised to Elevate Korean Business Influence

The appointment of Choi Bun-do as the new President of the Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry in South Central Vietnam (KOCHAM) signifies a strategic move to solidify the organization's role as a pivotal force in the rapidly expanding economic landscape of Southern Vietnam. Choi, the Chairman of PTV Group—an $80 million revenue logistics giant—brings to the presidency a deep, practical understanding of the logistical and regulatory challenges facing foreign enterprises.

KOCHAM, since its formal recognition in 2003, has evolved into a vital nexus connecting Korean heavyweights like Samsung and Hyosung with the intricate local administrative and commercial fabric. With over 800 member companies, the organization functions not merely as a network but as a collective advocate for the interests of Korean capital and personnel. Its primary activities, which involve continuous engagement with Vietnamese and Korean government entities, as well as other foreign commerce chambers, underscore its commitment to creating a stable and profitable operating environment.

Choi's background is particularly noteworthy. Beyond his success with PTV Group, his roles as Senior Vice President of KOCHAM, a standing director of OKTA, and his association with the World Hansang Convention position him as a well-integrated figure within the global Korean diaspora's business community. This extensive network suggests he can leverage international resources and influence to address local issues more effectively. His former chairmanship of the Korean International School in Ho Chi Minh City further demonstrates a commitment to the long-term presence and community welfare of Koreans in the region, a critical, non-commercial pillar of the diaspora's strength.

His inaugural vision—to make KOCHAM a "solution" that is "by its members' side" and fosters a link between "business" and "happiness"—is a clear message that his administration will prioritize proactive problem-solving and member-centric services. In an environment characterized by evolving trade agreements and shifting global supply chains, such a pledge is crucial. Korean companies often face unique hurdles related to customs, labor laws, and investment regulations, and a responsive KOCHAM is essential for their continued success.

The strong turnout at the inauguration, featuring high-ranking Vietnamese provincial officials and representatives from the Japanese, Taiwanese, and American Chambers of Commerce, is indicative of KOCHAM's political and economic clout. This level of participation provides Choi with a robust platform for his diplomatic and advocacy efforts. His mandate over the next two years will be to not only maintain the status quo but to expand KOCHAM's influence, ensuring that Korean investment remains a driving force in Vietnam’s economic development. This new era of leadership is expected to be defined by robust advocacy, strategic networking, and a renewed focus on the welfare and operational efficiency of the Korean business community in South Central Vietnam.