(C) World-OKTA

The World Federation of Overseas Korean Traders Associations (World-OKTA) has launched an all-out effort to strengthen the organizational foundation and restore the networks of small branches in Central and South America, which have experienced reduced activity due to geographical distances and declining membership.

On the 4th, World-OKTA held the "2026 Santiago Central and South America Small Branch Revitalization Meeting" in Santiago, Chile, seeking practical alternatives to overcome the geographical limitations of Central and South America, where distances between countries are vast. The meeting was attended by World-OKTA President Park Jong-bum, Central America Regional President Yoon Jong-seop, and a large number of local executives and branch presidents, alongside institutional figures including South Korean Ambassador to Chile Kim Hak-jae who lent their support.

The most significant challenges facing the ethnic Korean business community in Central and South America are "physical distance" and "a lack of communication." Due to the vastness of the continent, traveling between countries is difficult, leading to low activity and membership decline in certain branches. In his opening address, Santiago Branch President Han Bong-rae noted the reality that Central and South America is both a land of opportunity and a place where frequent gatherings are difficult, expressing his hope that the meeting would serve as a platform to share on-the-ground concerns and connect them to practical business opportunities.

As a breakthrough, large-scale integration events that enhance connectivity among branches have emerged as a promising alternative. Participants thoroughly reviewed a plan to jointly host the "Central and South America Next-Generation Trade School" and the "Central and South American Economic Leaders Conference" in Santiago between June and July 2027. The vision is to hold a joint opening ceremony for both events and then split the detailed programs into two separate tracks: one for the next generation and one for senior business leaders.

This integrated event, expected to host around 200 to 300 participants, focuses on organically intertwining the local settlement experience and infrastructure of veteran business leaders with the fresh perspectives of the next generation. It is a mutually beneficial structure where the next generation gains systematic education and networking opportunities, while senior business leaders find new business breakthroughs. To ensure a successful event, World-OKTA plans to refine concrete execution plans, including securing venues, arranging budgets, and attracting sponsorships.

Specialized lectures aimed at strengthening practical, field-oriented competencies also received an enthusiastic response. Lee Jin-sung, Deputy Director of KOTRA's Santiago Trade Center, broadened horizons by analyzing rapidly changing economic trends in Central and South America, while Ryu Seung-hoon, CEO of MAIDEPOT, led practical knowledge exchange by lecturing on artificial intelligence (AI) adoption strategies immediately applicable to corporate management and trade practices.

Using this Santiago meeting as a turning point, World-OKTA aims to build a dense cooperative system spanning the entire Central and South American region, moving beyond the limitations of individual branches. Expectations are high for the establishment of a virtuous cycle where the know-how of senior business leaders is passed down to the next generation, and the challenging ideas of young entrepreneurs are combined with the businesses of existing members. A World-OKTA official stated that the organization will swiftly finalize the detailed operational plan for the 2027 integrated event by reflecting voices from the field and actively supporting the sustainable growth of the Central and South American network.

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