By Lee Hana

President Moon Jae-in, currently in China on an official state visit, attended the opening ceremony of the Korea-China trade partnership conference, at the China National Convention Center in Beijing on Dec. 14. The president encouraged the two countries to strengthen ties in terms of trade and commerce. 

Before sounding an official gong, the president said, "I hear that in China, one hits the gong to officially start a ceremony. In Korea, we believe the sound of the gong can ward off bad luck and evil spirits. It`s my hope that when I sound the gong today, our two countries will be able to let go of all the troubles of the past, and fill the days ahead with positive energy."

The Korea-China trade partnership conference was organized to give small and medium-sized Korean companies and Chinese buyers the chance to meet one another and to build partnerships.

Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Paik Ungyu, Chairman Suh Kyung-bae of Amore Pacific, KOTRA CEO Kim Jaehong, as well as actress Song Hye-gyo and K-pop group EXO attended the conference.

President Moon Jae-in strikes the gong during the opening ceremony for the Korea-China trade partners conference, at the China National Convention Center in Beijing on Dec. 14. (Cheong Wa Dae)

President Moon Jae-in visits some business booths following the opening ceremony of the Korea-China trade partners conference, accompanied by CeraArt CEO Eun Sera (second from left) and actress Song Hye-gyo, among others, at the China National Convention Center in Beijing on Dec. 14. (Cheong Wa Dae)

***