Chairman's message

 Welcome to the new BCCK website, one that I hope you will find useful and informative as you research one of the most dynamic and fast-changing markets in Asia, dubbed the "Miracle on the Han". Korea is now the 12th largest economy in the world with a growing number of global brands staking claims to important parts of the global economy.

The British Chamber of Commerce (BCCK) is a leading international and local business forum in Korea, open to businesses and individuals of any nationality. We organise an interesting and wide-ranging programme of events and activities, both business and social, to help you and your company flourish. All our activities are dedicated to building networks, connecting businesses and creating opportunities for our Members.

The Chamber's mission is to:-

• Facilitate the development of our members' business interests in Korea
• Raise the profile of British business in Korea
• Promote members' interests with relevant government and business bodies in Korea and Britain
• Create productive networking and business opportunities.
• Foster strong relationships with the Korean government and business leaders in order to promote British business in Korea.
• Provide information, preferential purchase schemes and other services, which bring measurable value to members.

At the July EXCO meeting, your Chamber officers were appointed:

• Chairman : Michael Reed
• Vice Chairman : Joe Day , Steve Duckworth
• Treasurer : Martin Kay

I am honoured to have been elected to the position of Chairman and my prime focus will be to ensure the Chamber continues to promote British interests and to raise our profile whenever possible. I will also continue the very effective communication between your Chamber and our Embassy on matters that are of importance to both the British business community here and in the UK regarding commerce and business with Korea. The Chamber will be particularly focused on how British business in Korea can take advantage of opportunities presented by the Free Trade Agreement between the EU and Korea, which came into effect in July 2011. There is much work to be done.

We are more than half way through 2012, a special and exciting year for Britain in Korea. We have enjoyed the celebrations of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee and watched the stunning success of London's hosting of the Olympics. I hope to greet you all at our various events throughout the remainder of the year.

Michael Reed

Chairman of BCCK