[Herald Economy = Reporter Bae Mun-sook] The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) announced that the 14th Korea International Heating, Air-Conditioning, Refrigeration and Fluid Exhibition (HARFKO), recognized as one of the world’s top four HVAC&R exhibitions, is being held at KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province.

Held biennially, this exhibition is highly regarded as a premier platform to explore new trends in the HVAC&R (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration) industry through cutting-edge technologies and new products, as well as to actively promote the excellence and technical capabilities of South Korean products.

This year’s event features approximately 4,500 HVAC&R products showcased by around 260 companies from 23 countries, including leading global tech giants such as LG and Samsung, alongside major players from the United States, Japan, and China. The exhibition is expected to draw over 30,000 buyers and trade visitors.

In tandem with the main exhibition, various concurrent events are taking place, including the HVAC&R Skills Competition—where technical professionals showcase their expertise—international technical seminars, new product briefings, and export consultation meetings inviting foreign buyers. The export consultations are anticipated to revitalize international trade, with more than $100 million USD worth of business meetings scheduled with promising buyers from 30 overseas companies, including those from India and the Philippines.

During the opening ceremony, attended by around 300 industry professionals, a prestigious award ceremony was held to present the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Commendation to individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of South Korea's HVAC&R industry.

Among the distinguished recipients of the Minister’s Commendation was Kim Yu-gon, CEO of CK Solution Co., Ltd., recognized alongside other industry leaders including In Mun-jin (CEO of Jinsung Refrigeration Industry), Han Sang-phil (Team Leader at Kiturami Bumyang Air Conditioning), Park Il-yong (Manager at the Korea Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Industry Association), and Jang Sang-in (Chief Researcher at Essen Tech).

Jeong Man-ki, the First Vice Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, stated in his congratulatory opening speech, > "The HVAC&R industry, which has expanded its domestic production volume to 10 trillion KRW, provides essential core equipment required across various industrial sectors. We plan to diversify export markets into emerging destinations such as ASEAN and Latin America, and reinforce our support to secure core technologies for eco-friendly and high-efficiency products."

• oskymoon@heraldcorp.com