It said the GCC region currently accounts for 60 percent of all South Korean EPC contracts abroad with a value of $43.3 billion, according to figures released during the recent Korea-Middle East Cooperation Forum held in Jeju, South Korea.

EPC projects will be a key focus during Made in Korea (MIK 2012), a pioneering exhibition to be held in the UAE next year, said organizers.

MIK showcases products, services and technologies from South Korea.

The show will run from May 21 to 23 at ADNEC.

The Kingdom is also South Korea’s fourth largest trading partner as bilateral trade volume increased from $4.2 billion in 1991 to $31.5 billion in 2010 with $22 billion of trade balance in favor of Saudi Arabia.

Building on the Korea-Middle East Cooperation Forum’s theme “Strengthening Korea-GCC Relationship in a Time of Change,” Made in Korea 2012 is being organized to encourage more trade activities between the GCC and South Korea.

Organizers said the GCC is now South Korea’s fourth largest trade partner with Korean imports and exports to the region achieving a growth of 11.2 percent and 13.8 percent, respectively, from 1990 to 2010. Korea, on the other hand, is the GCC’s sixth biggest trade partner.

Faisal Al-Raisi, managing partner at Ideal Idea Events, organizers of MIK 2012, said: “The continuing interaction between South Korea and the GCC through the Korea-Middle East Cooperation Forum reflects the commitment of both parties to further strengthen bilateral relations.

Al-Raisi said the exhibition would play a critical role in complementing government efforts to enhance trade cooperation and promote cultural understanding by providing a dedicated networking platform for businesses and public sector representatives from Korea and the GCC.

EPC projects will certainly be one of the main topics during the exhibition with Korea being one of the top contractors in the region, he added.

“Moreover, Made in Korea will also support other key industries that have been identified during the Forum as future areas of cooperation such as medicine, education, culture, ICT, finance and tourism,” said Al-Raisi

MIK 2021 will gather at least 300 high-profile Korean exhibitors from a wide range of industries including automotive, engineering, metal, hospitality, textile, electrical, chemicals, rubber and plastics, power, health care, ICT, media, construction, furniture, fashion and even sport.

Representatives from Korean government agencies and regulatory authorities will also be present to meet with their counterparts from the UAE and other Arab countries.

Organizers also expect over 25,000 visitors during the three-day exhibition.

MIK 2012 is supported by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority and the World Food Program.

In addition to the exhibition, MIK 2012 will also host a series of conferences featuring prominent international speakers from both countries.

The event, which will cover 14,000 square meters of exhibition space, will also host various competitions such as a “Poster Design Competition,” and the “Catwalk: Costume Designing Challenge.”

Ideal Idea Events, a UAE exhibitions and events company and the organizer of MIK 2012, is powered by a team of exhibition professionals with extensive international experience in developing, marketing, selling and organizing events and exhibitions.