One of South Korea's hidden success stories, Chemirex is a medium-sized trading company that has been entrusted as a partner of major firms such as Sinopec and Samsung. Supplying raw materials for coating and semiconductor manufacturing, Chemirex distinguishes itself through its local knowledge and solid presence on the mainland.

"Chemirex is very familiar with China," says company president Park Jin-seok. The company marks its 10th anniversary on the mainland this year, thanks to experienced local staff that have steered the company's success. "We know the products well and we know how to sell Korean products in the Chinese market," Park says.

With offices in Shanghai, Qingdao and Hong Kong, Chemirex has relationships with Chinese companies that go beyond supplying raw materials. As an expert supplier in the chemical engineering industry, Chemirex often helps Chinese companies find potential joint venture partners in South Korea.

"We are one of the few bridges between South Korea and China in this field," Park says. He adds that developing trade relations between the two countries has become one of the cornerstones of Chemirex.