[GLOBAL ECONOMIC TIMES]  While many business activities around the world have been greatly reduced due to the spread of COVID-19, there is a Paraguayan Korean business that has increased sales by 400% compared to before the pandemic, making it a hot topic. I recently visited ABC SHOP in Asuncion, Paraguay. CEO Park Chan-young, who grew up in Korea, came to Paraguay alone in the 1990s. He has experience working at a magazine company called Korea Comerica, as a foreign language instructor for children, and also established an ice cream franchise. ABC SHOP, of which I am currently the CEO, is a company that sells electronic products. We also wholesale, export, and import electronic products.

​- How were you able to overcome COVID-19?

“Even before COVID-19, we were preparing an online sales system by obtaining various information through YouTube and other sources. Even though the offline system was suspended, business was able to continue through online delivery. All of the laptops and mobile phones that had been secured were sold, as well as beauty-related machinery and cameras and webcams that had been prepared to pioneer the market. In particular, orders for beauty products were flooding in from people who could not go to barbershops and beauty salons, and sales increased more than four times compared to usual. The World-OKTA network was also a great help in overcoming the coronavirus recession.”

- How did World Okta help you?

“We exchanged information with over 140 branches in 73 countries and imported necessary goods, which was a great help in overcoming difficult times. “I am currently serving as vice president of the World Octa Paraguay branch.”

- Please explain the Paraguayan electronics market.

“I think Paraguay’s electronics market is an excellent market that rivals not only South America but also Hong Kong and Dubai.”

- Many Koreans are currently experiencing difficulties due to COVID-19.

“I would like to convey words of comfort to the many people who are doing their best to overcome the current situation with no end in sight. “The most unfortunate thing is that many people are having difficulty finding food, clothing, and shelter as the closure continues for several months.”

- If you have an idea to turn a crisis into an opportunity.

“It is said that more than 70% of the food industry, which was the main industry for Koreans, has gone out of business over the past few years. They are being pushed out by new chain stores. Instead of just feeling frustrated, you should use it to your advantage. One idea is to create a chain store that imports and sells a variety of Korean or Chinese products. Rental businesses (YouTube studios, decorative furniture, water purifiers) are also promising, and electronic payment apps and electric motor battery exchange delivery services are also expected to succeed. Although it is a difficult and difficult time, I believe that we will overcome this difficulty wisely. “I hope everyone takes care of their health.”

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