The Ministry of Environment (Minister Han Wha-jin) and the Korea Water and Wastewater Works Association (President Kang Gi-jung) announced that domestic companies achieved a total of KRW 54.9 billion in contracts through the ‘Overseas Buyer Invitational Export Consultation’ held from March 20 to 22 at the ‘2024 Water Korea.’

* Having started in 2002, this year marks the 21st edition of the largest domestic water industry specialized exhibition

The export consultation held in 2024 invited overseas buyers from 14 countries and 50 companies and institutions including Asia, North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia. This represents a significant expansion from 2003, which had 18 overseas buyers from 10 countries.

A total of 412 face-to-face consultations were conducted with water industry companies in South Korea, resulting in the signing of seven export contracts worth approximately KRW 5.6 billion (USD 4.2 million).

* Two contracts were with the United States (approximately KRW 3.3 billion), one with Thailand (approximately KRW 2 billion), and four with Vietnam (approximately KRW 300 million).

In addition, a total of 40 Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), which are preliminary agreements for export contracts, were signed, amounting to approximately KRW 49.3 billion (USD 37 million).

In terms of major countries*, Indonesia led with 12 contracts totaling approximately KRW 14.7 billion (USD 11.07 million), followed by Taiwan with nine contracts worth around KRW 10.4 billion (KRW 7.88 million), and the United States with six contracts amounting to approximately KRW 9.1 billion (USD 6.85 million).

* 12 contracts were signed with Indonesia, nine with Taiwan, and six each with the United States, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Three contracts were signed with Thailand, while two contracts were signed with both Mongolia and Turkey, and one contract was signed with China.

Meanwhile, it was noted that this year’s export consultation attracted active participation from overseas government agencies and organizations, indicating an increased international interest and recognition of South Korea’s water industry.

Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation of Malaysia, Provincial Waterworks Authority of Thailand, and Global Water Partnership South-East Asia of Indonesia participated, showing high interest in South Korea’s latest technologies and products, including wastewater treatment technology. In particular, officials from the Provincial Waterworks Authority of Thailand expressed anticipation for the Korean Wave effect even in the water industry sector.

Park Jae-hyeon, Deputy Minister of the Water Management Policy Office, stated, “The Water Korea is a very important event for promoting South Korea’s excellent water industry overseas.” He added, “The Ministry will actively support the water industry to play a central role in South Korea’s green industry exports.”

For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division. 

Contact person: Gina Lee, foreign media spokesperson

Phone: +82-44-201-6055

Email: gcjgina @gmail.com