LS Group chairman Koo Cha-yol has made frequent overseas trips this month as part of his efforts to seek ideas for new growth engines, group officials said Thursday.

The group is a Korean industrial giant composed of numerous affilates including LSIS, an electrical equipment manufacturer, and LS Cable & System, a cable and power system provider. 

During his trips, the group head met top executives of foreign companies and participated in various business events to discuss mutual cooperation and forge networks, the officials added.

The chairman first headed to Japan and met several executives of local companies including Furukawa Electric Co., and JX Nippon Mining & Metals, the group said.

His visit to Japan indicates that the conglomerate may seek entry into the renewable energy market there, a group official said.

After Japan, Koo flew to Hannover, Germany, to attend Hannover Messe, the world’s largest industrial technology trade fair held in Hannover. Koo met Siemens executives and discussed the future of electricity industry at the fair this week.

Starting from May 1, Koo is scheduled to join President Park Geun-hye’s visit to Iran as a member of the business delegation. Company officials said the chairman will seek business opportunities in Iran.

By Hong Sung-pyo (hong1@heraldcorp.com)