SK C&C increases inroads into China

SK C&C president Chung Chul-khil has visited China to highlight the company’s moves to expand its global business, SK C&C said on Thursday.

Chung was in Beijing and Shenzhen, China, from Jan. 21 to 23 to discuss new business plans and market trends with the regional branch members.

“SK C&C will reinforce its competitiveness and have achieve tangible outcomes through localization and partnership in China,” Chung said. “The company should share its structural reform outcomes and best practices with Chinese corporate bodies.”

In a New Year’s ceremony earlier this month, the SK C&C chief had hinted that he would spur on the company’s global business, saying that he would “take the lead in global business and new growth business in the non-information technology sector.”

Regarding SK C&C’s domestic business, he said, “The company divisions involved must seek to create customer value.”

In particular, Chung sought business opportunities for its IT services, mobile commerce and smart card.

The company also plans to export its non-IT businesses such as Encar, an auto portal service for used cars, which was launched as a new investment project by SK Corporation in January 2000.

In October last year, SK C&C collaborated with the Chinese state-owned telecommunications operator China Unicom to build a mobile wallet service, creating new business opportunities in the smart card field.

“The company must continue on with investments and find business opportunities in global and non-IT sectors,” said Cha Seung-eun, a head of SK C&C public relations. “The business is expected to gain momentum as the CEO is spearheading the global business, which includes the Chinese market.”

Chung is reportedly scheduled to visit other overseas fields including the U.S., Central Asia, the Middle East and North America as part of the drive to expand its global management.

By Shin Ji-hye (shinjh@heraldcorp.com)