A Korean Witnesses Transformation in Anhui

"Hello, I'm Sojin Kim. Welcome to Xiaoxian county. It's a pleasure to meet you!" Kim's greeting is accompanied by a warm smile, his fluency in Chinese adding to the sincerity of his words. Kim, who became CEO of Hualong Refractory Materials company in Xiaoxian county, Anhui province, in 2007, has helped transform the local industry and foster a spirit of innovation in an area not known for its economic advantage.

Kim told Science and Technology Daily that when he first arrived in Xiaoxian from South Korea, the company, whose products include composite magnesium carbon bricks, was struggling, and the region was still developing.

However, he was undeterred by the challenges. At that time, the county was building a new economic development zone, with the local government being very supportive of business growth, especially in environmental improvement and infrastructure development. His optimism was bolstered by the supportive atmosphere within the research team and the dedication of his colleagues and workers.

Over the years, Kim has seen a shift in Xiaoxian county's technological landscape. "We have bright futures as long as a city values technological innovation," he said. With the support of the local government, he assembled a research and development team focused on cutting-edge technologies, which led to the application of over 10 national patents and propelled his company to the second rank in research and development capability in Anhui province, a region well known for its innovative capacity.

At the same time, the company's annual output value skyrocketed from a few million RMB to over 100 million RMB in just a few years, gaining a foothold in international markets. After 2016, Hualong Refractory Materials expanded from domestic sales to exports, reaching customers in Germany, Australia, Russia, and many other countries.

Kim has now lived and worked in Xiaoxian county for more than 17 years. He appreciates the beautiful mountains, rivers, and rich culture of the area. "I love this land and have decided to focus on my research here," he said. In 2018, he took a significant step by applying for permanent residency in China, officially settling in Xiaoxian county. "With such a favorable environment for technological innovation, I am determined to contribute to its development as 'a new Xiaoxian person'," he said.

Looking ahead, Kim aims to lead his team in pushing the company towards an initial public offering and establishing a first-class research institute for refractory materials in China. He emphasizes prioritizing new product development, technological innovation, and talent acquisition for high-quality corporate growth. By continuously researching market demands, his team develops products that meet those needs while ensuring timely patent applications.

Kim is looking forward to a trip back to South Korea to reunite with old friends in the near future. "I'll take some Chinese white wine and local delicacies back. My friends are all very envious of my experiences here," he laughed.

Source: Science and Technology Daily