On 29 December 2023, the China–Korea Forum on Silk Road International Cooperation was held in Seoul to mark the 31st anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and South Korea. Organised by the Korea–China Silk Road International Exchange Association, it brought together nearly 500 business and academic representatives. HEBE founder Zhao Chao attended as chairman of the China–Korea Young Entrepreneurs Support Association.
Participants discussed cooperation in livestream commerce, cross-border e-commerce, logistics and medical tourism. Speakers included Gu Jinsheng, Minister Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy’s Economic and Commercial Office in South Korea, Ban Ki-moon, the eighth Secretary-General of the United Nations and then chairman of the Boao Forum for Asia, and Korean political representatives.
Gu delivered a message from Xing Haiming, then Chinese Ambassador to South Korea, highlighting the countries’ close relationship and opportunities for cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. The message encouraged businesses to expand partnerships and contribute to regional and international development.
Association president Li Xianhu called for stronger dialogue and cooperation in response to global challenges including the pandemic, conflict, inflation and climate change.
At the awards ceremony, Zhao received the 2023 China–Korea Cultural Exchange Contribution Award, the forum’s sole cultural exchange award. Li presented the award in recognition of Zhao’s contributions to cultural heritage, exchange and friendship between the two countries.
Zhao has long participated in China–Korea business and cultural exchanges and nonprofit initiatives supporting international students and young entrepreneurs. Through business partnerships, resource connections and integrated services, the association supports information exchange, entrepreneurship and cross-border cooperation.
During the forum, Ban met Zhao and recognised the association’s work supporting international students and young entrepreneurs. On behalf of the Ban Ki-moon Foundation, he thanked Zhao for his contributions to China–Korea friendship, cultural exchange and student entrepreneurship.
Ban encouraged Zhao and the association to continue working with international students in South Korea on nonprofit entrepreneurship initiatives and economic recovery. The forum and award form part of the record of HEBE’s founder participating in international cooperation and cultural exchange.
