The Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ) hosts All Connected Incheon Night during CES 2025 in Las Vegas, Tuesday (local time). Courtesy of IFEZ

IFEZ Commissioner Yun Won-sok, right, poses with Global Chamber's CEO and Founder Doug Bruhnke after signing a partnership to support Incheon's startups in global market expansion during the All Connected Incheon Night event in Las Vegas, Tuesday (local time). Courtesy of IFEZ

The Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ) beefed up its network of global partners by forming new ties at the CES 2025 tech trade show in Las Vegas, according to the special economic territory in Incheon on Thursday.

IFEZ Commissioner Yun Won-sok on Tuesday (local time) and Doug Bruhnke, CEO and founder of Global Chamber, a global business networking group, signed a professional partnership to jointly support Incheon-based startups in expanding into global markets and accelerating their growth.

The two also agreed to seek opportunities for investments and partnerships from city governments and private companies worldwide to benefit startups in Incheon. These collaborations are expected to potentially evolve into new joint initiatives or proof-of-concept projects, according to the IFEZ.

The signing took place during All Connected Incheon Night, a networking event hosted by the IFEZ on Tuesday. The IFEZ said that Global Chamber invited about 40 dignitaries to the event, including Kate Gallego, mayor of Phoenix in Arizona, and Victor Hoskins, president and CEO of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority in Virginia. The participants engaged in business networking with 27 representatives from Incheon startups.

"The meeting was more than a networking (opportunity). It was a starting point of our new partnership and a moment that begot innovative ideas," Yun said.

"The IFEZ anticipates that based on its experience of having successfully demonstrated various technological features of a smart city, it will shape its next 20 years using its new global partners."

The IFEZ decided to participate in this year's CES to support 41 innovative Korean startups, including 10 based in Incheon, by facilitating their public presentations and networking opportunities during the event.