Agilent Technologies identifies Korea as Asian hub

Austin Kim, president of Agilent Technologies Korea, introduces the company's vision for the Korean market at a press conference in Hannam, Seoul, Tuesday. The company held the event to celebrate the relocation of its headquarters.

/ Courtesy of Agilent Technologies

By Lee Min-hyung

Agilent Technologies said Tuesday that it aims to expand its presence in the Korean market by focusing on healthcare.

"Korea is in our top ten strategic countries, in terms of investment and volume," said Austin Kim, president of the local branch of the U.S.-based analytical instruments manufacturer, at a press conference in central Seoul. Agilent Korea held the event to celebrate the relocation of its headquarters.

This came as the government has been pushing for the development of the healthcare industry after identifying it as the nation's next growth area, amid increasing demand for health-related products due to the aging population and increasing chronic diseases.

At the press conference, the company chief stressed the potential of the local market, as its growth strategy in healthcare and life sciences corresponds with the company's vision for Korea.

Agilent Korea is seeking close collaboration with local researchers and corporations to generate more substantial achievements and improve technological efficiency, the company chief said.

The company provides analytical solutions worth $4.5 million for laboratories and research institutions across the world.

In particular, its sales volume for the Asia-Pacific region accounts for 33 percent of its total sales, the company said. Some 35 percent of its sales come from the Americas, and the rest is from Europe, it added.

"Korea is an important country for Agilent, as the country focuses on high business in the life sciences and chemical industries," Kim said. "As a technology measurement company, we want to continue our success and partnership in Korea, promoting it as the hub of Asia."

Its new headquarters, located in Hannam, central Seoul, comes equipped with cutting-edge facilities to meet the needs a wider range of customers, the company said.

The company previously underwent corporate restructuring to become what it calls a life-care solutions provider in the life sciences, diagnosis and applied chemistry.

mhlee@ktimes.co.kr