Masion Glad Jeju, Jeju-do, Republic of Korea

30 June 2025, 14:00 – 18:00 (KST)

Background

According to the 2022 Basic Statistics on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) published by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups of the Republic of Korea , there are approximately 8.04 million SMEs in the country, accounting for 99.9 % of all enterprises and serving as the backbone of the regional economy. However, 52.3 % of these businesses are concentrated in the Seoul metropolitan area, while SMEs located in Jeju Province represent only 1.6 % in number and a mere 1.03 % in sales. This uneven distribution continues to exacerbate regional economic disparities.

Expanding global market access for SMEs in Jeju can play a critical role in addressing these imbalances and promoting inclusive growth, contributing to SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). By tapping into overseas markets, local enterprises can increase their revenues and generate employment opportunities, which in turn advances SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by providing quality jobs within the region.

At the same time, countries across the Asia-Pacific region, including many in Southeast Asia, are striving to transition beyond the “middle-income trap” and are pursuing structural transformation to achieve innovation-driven, sustainable growth. According to the World Development Report 2024 , this transition is heavily dependent on industrial upgrading and technological innovation. Jeju-based SMEs possess notable strengths in eco-friendly technologies, ICT, and smart agriculture—areas that align with the evolving needs of these emerging markets. As such, facilitating their entry into global value chains also supports SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), while promoting mutually beneficial international cooperation.

Despite a number of public institutions in Jeju operating initiatives to support the internationalization of local companies, coordination and information-sharing across these programs remain limited. Often, institutions work in parallel without fully understanding each other’s initiatives or having structured opportunities to collaborate. There is a growing need for a common platform where institutions can exchange knowledge, align their strategies, and gain insights into diverse enterprise experiences beyond their own portfolios.

In response to this need, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) CIFAL Jeju and the Investment and Technology Promotion Office of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO ITPO Korea) intend to convene a stakeholder workshop under the theme “Fostering Communication and Collaboration between Institutions and Corporations for Sustainable Global Expansion.” The workshop will not only serve as a platform for dialogue, but also offer an expert session led by UNIDO ITPO Korea featuring successful cases of overseas expansion and analysis of market trends in Asia. This is expected to enhance participants’ understanding of global markets and strengthen their strategic capacities. Furthermore, the workshop aims to facilitate collaborative discussions on the challenges faced by institutions and enterprises in the process of internationalization, ultimately identifying practical pathways for cooperation.

Objectives

This event will enhance the integration of governments, institutions, corporations, and international organizations in the sustainable global expansion to the Asia-Pacific region. The objectives are:

- Knowledge Sharing: To share insights on best practices in global expansion, with a focus on Korean SMEs and trends, opportunities, and market entry strategies in the Asia-Pacific region.

- Experiences Exchange: To exchange lessons and learned from institutions and business engaged in supporting or pursuing international expansion. 

- Stakeholder Engagement: To foster dialogue and collaboration among policy makers, support institutions, and business leaders.

- Public awareness: To raise awareness of the importance of inclusive and sustainable global expansion for regional economic development.

- Discussion: To discuss the current support mechanisms, challenges, and strategies for assisting and pursuing global markets.

- Networking and Collaboration Opportunities: To provide a platform for representatives from institutions and local SMEs and startups.

Expected Outcomes

This event intends to achieve the following outcomes:

- Increased awareness of the challenges and opportunities related to the inclusive and sustainable growth of SMEs.

- Exchange of experiences and good practices among institutions and corporations in sustainable global expansion.

- Exploration of potential collaboration among local institutions, businesses, and stakeholders for more effective global expansion support.

- Enhanced understanding of institutional strategies, common barriers, and actionable opportunities for Jeju-based SMEs and startups seeking internationalization

Participants

- Government Officials from Jeju

- Representatives from institutions supporting global expansion programs for local SMEs and startups

- Representatives from local SMEs and startups seeking internationalization

Co-Host and Organizer

United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Centre International de Formation des Autorités et Leaders (CIFAL) Jeju / Jeju International Training Center (JITC) http://cifaljeju.org/

United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Investment and Technology Promotion Office (ITPO) Korea https://itpo-seoul.unido.org/

Program

*The above program is subject to change.

Inquiries

United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) 

Centre International de Formation des Autorités et Leaders (CIFAL)

UNITAR CIFAL Jeju

Ms. Gyumin SHIN

Program Officer

Tel: +82-64-735-6575

Email: gmshin.jitc@cifaljeju.org