Park Jae-hyuk is a seasoned journalist who has provided comprehensive coverage of South Korea's corporate dynamics, economic policies, industry challenges and the global positioning of Korean companies. Based on the articles he has written since joining The Korea Times in 2016, his investigative approach has helped readers understand corporate governance, economic trends and business strategies shaping South Korea’s economy.
FKCCI awards contributors for France-Korea relations
French-Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) Chairman David-Pierre Jalicon speaks during the chamber's general assembly at the Fairmont Ambassador Seoul, Wednesday. Courtesy of FKCCI
By Park Jae-hyuk
By Park Jae-hyuk
The French-Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) on Thursday announced the six winners of the French Business Award 2022 for their contributions to relations between the two countries. The chamber held a general assembly a day earlier in Seoul to choose this year's winners.
The award for the best Korean establishment in France went to SPC Group's subsidiary Paris Croissant, for the successful operation of its Paris Baguette bakery chain in the European country as well as in Korea, the U.S., China and Southeast Asia.
Jack Moran, executive vice president of global strategy and development at SPC Group, received a trophy at the event on behalf of his company.
SPC Group Executive Vice President Jack Moran, center, poses with French-Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) Chairman David-Pierre Jalicon, left, and French Ambassador to Korea Philippe Lefort, after the award for the best Korean establishment in France went to the group's subsidiary Paris Croissant, during the chamber's general assembly held at the Fairmont Ambassador Seoul, Wednesday. Courtesy of FKCCI
The Ranch Brewing Company was recognized as the best French entrepreneur in Korea, while Aryballe was awarded as the best startup.
The awards for the best export performance, corporate social responsibility and the best French-Korean partnership were given to Thales Korea, Bluebell Korea and Accor Ambassador Korea, respectively.
Accor Ambassador Korea Vice President Vincent Lelay, second from right, poses with French-Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) Chairman David-Pierre Jalicon, left, and French Ambassador to Korea Philippe Lefort, right, after the award for the best French-Korean partnership went to the company, during the chamber's general assembly held at the Fairmont Ambassador Seoul, Wednesday. Courtesy of FKCCI
The winners will have an opportunity to participate in the global competition of French chambers of commerce awards in Paris this June, under the patronage of the next French president to be elected later this month, according to the FKCCI.
Known as CCIFI, the global network of 126 French chambers of commerce and industry located in 96 countries, has given prizes to nearly 150 companies around the world every year to commend successful international projects.
During the general assembly, FKCCI members also elected new board members, who will play a key role in its management, devise strategies and represent the French-Korean business community.
They are Idadaussy.com CEO Ida Daussy, Renault Korea Motors CEO Stephane Deblaise, S-Oil TotalEnergies Lubricants CEO Patrice Devemy, JCDecaux Korea President Jay Kim, Credit Agricole Senior Country Officer Gerald Massenet and Bluebell Korea Chairman Daniel Mayran.
“The General Assembly is the occasion for the FKCCI to share the main highlights of its activities in the past year with its 430 members and prospects for the future to make the French-Korean business community thrive,” FKCCI Chairman David-Pierre Jalicon said.
Hanjin Group Chairman Cho Won-tae also attended the event as a special guest to congratulate the French-Korean business community.
“It's a great privilege to be here today. This year's annual general meeting is even more meaningful, as members gather in person for the first time in two years,” he said. “We see a faint light at the end of this pandemic tunnel and see social and economic exchange gradually finding their place. I have no doubt that France and Korea will grow together and thrive even more.”