I am very pleased to open "The 15th Anniversary Invitation Exposition of Relations between Korea and China" in Dalian, which is a central fashion city of China, meeting the 15th anniversary of relations between Korea and China.

The Korea-China Association of Fashion Industry-Academy has performed a lot of activities such as studies, performance of projects, opening of seminars, operation of educational programs, and opening of expositions to develop the fashion of both Korea and China every year.

I anticipate that members in six nations will have a meaningful field of exchange, fusing each nation's culture and fashion into one, to change traditional design to contemporary design with the Obangsaek (the five Korean traditional basic colors) in the exposition.

By the exposition, we will strengthen the Korea-China cooperative system of fashion industry and academy more, and will give help in improving competitiveness of Korean fashion industry by performing study and business related to Chinese fashion industry more systematically.

Thank members for sparing no pains for the development of the Korea-China Association of Fashion Industry-Academy and the persons concerned for giving a lot of help for the exposition.

Choi, Kyung Hee
President, The Korea-China Association of Fashion Industry-Academy

최경희
한중패션산학협회 회장

I sincerely congratulate the opening of "2007 The 15th Anniversary Invitation Exposition of Relations between Korea and China," sponsored by the Korea & China Association of Fashion Industry-Academy.

The Korea & China Association of Fashion Industry-Academy has supported companies advancing into the Chinese fashion market while systematically performing studies and businesses related to the Chinese fashion industry by constructing a cooperative system of fashion industry and academy since its establishment in 1998.

Korean fashion companies started advancing into China from 1990 and have realized businesses in various forms, but they have experienced many trials and errors since they were unfamiliar with Chinese commercial practices, Chinese culture, and Chinese regulations.

Also, each nation in the world is groping for advancement into the Chinese market in competition, while the abolition of the fiber quota system in 2005 has helped the enlargement of free trade. They now recognize China to be a consumption market, not a simple production base.

In such an important period, the Korea & China Association of Fashion Industry-Academy plays a very important role. Especially, I anticipate that the exposition will contribute to the development of the Asian fashion industry as well as the promotion of friendship between Korea and China, by participation of professors and graduate school students in six nations including Korea and China.

I sincerely congratulate again on the opening of "2007 The 15th Anniversary Invitation Exposition of Relations between Korea and China," and pray the exposition will become a successful event. Finally, I thank the persons concerned for sparing no pains in preparing for the exposition and pray for the prosperous development of the Korea & China Association of Fashion Industry-Academy.

Won, Dae Yun
The President of Korean Fashion Association

원대연

한국패션협회 회장

Greeting the 21st century, the speed of globalization is accelerating. Therefore, it is necessary to reinforce the exchange between countries and regions with common values. Asia, where our lives develop, is going through vigorous economic developments within such change.

We plan to take a historical step for fashion starting here in Dalian. Exchange between China and Korea in terms of culture and life has been made for hundreds of years already, but they both still have a common ground for emotions and culture.

As long as the human race exists, fashion is one industry that will act together. If the two countries are to interact through fashion, their relationship can advance in a developing manner towards deeper understanding and appreciation.

Looking forward to Dalian becoming the center of fashion for China and Korea, and moreover Asia, I applaud and offer my congratulations to the successful exhibition of Dalian by the Korea-China Fashion Industry-University Cooperation Foundation.

Won Han Jeong
President of Dalian Korea Fiber Council

원한정
대련한국섬유위원회 회장

I deeply welcome the members of the Korea-China Fashion Industry-University Cooperation Foundation to Dalian, and I am confident that your exhibition will play an essential role in the development of fashion not only in Dalian, but also in China and Asia as a whole.

For many years, countries in Northeast Asia have looked to Europe and the United States as models in fashion. However, I believe that this exhibition—held in the beautiful city of Dalian, combining China, the birthplace of raw materials with a rich history and cultural strength, together with Korea, a global leader in fashion—signals the emergence of a unique Asian fashion identity. Asia is truly rising as the center of fashion in the 21st century.

I harbor the big dream that the fashion of Asia to lead the world one day be born in this city, Dalian based on the cooperation of Korea’s technological advancements and China’s diverse cultural and historical background.

I will continue to cherish this dream.

Thank you.

Si Heon Lee
President of Koreans' Society in Dalian, China

이시헌
중국 대련 한국인회 회장