How can global business connections create opportunities for Adelaide?
More than 250 business leaders, government representatives and industry stakeholders from Australia and Korea came together in Adelaide for the 47th Australia–Korea Business Council (AKBC) and Korea–Australia Business Council (KABC) Joint Meeting.
Held in Adelaide for the first time on 1–2 September, the forum brought senior decision-makers together to explore opportunities for collaboration, investment and partnership across areas including energy, critical minerals, defence and space, advanced manufacturing, technology and innovation. The calibre of organisations represented highlighted the significance of the forum, with senior representatives from major Korean companies including POSCO Group, Hyundai E&C, Samsung C&T, Hyosung Heavy Industries and Shinhan Bank among those attending.
For Adelaide businesses, bringing international business leaders and decision-makers into the city can create opportunities to build relationships, exchange knowledge and explore new commercial connections.
A growing trade relationship
The forum also highlighted the scale and growing importance of South Australia’s economic relationship with South Korea. South Korea is South Australia’s 13th largest export partner, with exports valued at $426.6 million in the year to June 2026, an increase of 37 per cent on the previous year.
Copper contributed strongly to this growth, with exports increasing 405 per cent. Beef remained South Australia’s largest export to South Korea at $104 million, while wine exports grew 37.2 per cent to $20.8 million. These figures demonstrate an established trade relationship, while areas including critical minerals, advanced manufacturing, technology, and innovation provide further potential for collaboration. Bringing forums of this scale to Adelaide can also put the city and its businesses directly in front of international organisations seeking new partnerships, expertise and investment opportunities.
Building international business connections
Major international forums are one way businesses can begin conversations and establish relationships with potential partners and markets.
Adelaide businesses looking to explore international opportunities can also access support through organisations including Austrade and the Department of State Development, as well as bilateral business councils and trade chambers that help businesses navigate international markets and develop commercial relationships.
Businesses can start by connecting with trade support organisations, attending relevant business forums and industry events, and using these networks to identify potential markets and international partners. There are also opportunities to build those connections here in Adelaide. The Australia–ASEAN Business Forum, being held at Adelaide Convention Centre on 29–30 September, brings together business and government leaders from Australia and Southeast Asia to explore trade, investment and greater economic cooperation.
The South Australian Premier’s Business & Export Awards on 16 October provide another opportunity to connect with exporters and industry leaders and learn from South Australian businesses operating in local and international markets. For Adelaide businesses with international ambitions, participating in events and engaging with trade organisations can provide practical ways to build networks, strengthen export knowledge, and develop relationships that may support future growth.
The Australia–Korea Joint Meeting provides an example of the role international business engagement can play in strengthening Adelaide’s connections with global markets. For Adelaide businesses, these connections can provide a starting point for new conversations, partnerships, and pathways to global markets.
Explore support and opportunities for international trade through Austrade and the Department of State Development.
Sources
Australia–Korea Business Council – 47th AKBC-KABC Joint Meeting
Department of State Development – Strengthening ties between Korea and Australia
Department of State Development – Export from South Australia
Australia–ASEAN Business Forum 2026
Department of State Development – South Australian Premier’s Business & Export Awards 2026