President Lee: "AI, Semiconductors, and Aerospace Are the Core of Korea-Italy Strategic Advanced Industry Cooperation"

President Lee Attends Korea-Italy Business Roundtable

"Technology, Talent, and Supply Chain Networks Drive Corporate Competitiveness"

"Korea’s Advanced Manufacturing and Italy’s Creative Engineering—The Optimal Partnership"

On June 12 (local time), President Lee Jae-myung stated that “cooperation in strategic advanced industries such as artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and aerospace—which form the foundation of future growth engines—is a key agenda.”

President Lee Jae-myung is applauding after the remarks of Antonio Tajani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy, concluded at a business roundtable held at a hotel in Rome, Italy, on June 12 (local time). 2026.6.13 Yonhap News Agency

During his opening remarks at the Korea-Italy Business Roundtable held that afternoon at a hotel in central Rome, President Lee said, “The international economic order is rapidly changing, as seen in the intensifying competition for technological supremacy represented by the AI revolution and the reorganization of supply chains.”

President Lee emphasized, “As global uncertainty increases, the network of technology, talent, and supply chains with reliable partners will determine not only the competitiveness of companies but also the industrial and technological competitiveness of entire nations.”

He added, “Italy, as a powerhouse in basic science with creative engineering design capabilities, and Korea, as a leader in advanced manufacturing with technological innovation capacity, are truly optimal partners. By joining forces, our two countries can create significant synergies by jointly shaping the new industrial order and innovation ecosystem.”

President Lee also highlighted the potential for expanding economic cooperation between the two countries. He said, “Italy is Korea’s fourth-largest trading partner among European Union (EU) countries,” and noted, “Considering the scale of both economies and their manufacturing capacities, there is ample room for further expansion in trade and investment.” He added, “This means the potential for economic cooperation between our two countries is extremely high.”

President Lee also presented supply chain cooperation as a foundation to support collaboration in advanced industries. He said, “In order to support advanced industries, it is truly important for us to build a strong supply chain together in sectors such as energy and infrastructure.”

He also mentioned the possibility of cooperation in the bio and consumer goods sectors. President Lee noted, “There is a very high level of mutual affinity for each other’s cultures,” and evaluated that “this will become a major asset for bilateral cooperation.” He continued, “Cooperation in consumer goods sectors such as cosmetics and food, as well as in bio and healthcare, is also highly promising.”

President Lee Jae-myung is taking a commemorative photo with participants at a business roundtable held on the 12th (local time) at a hotel in Rome, Italy. 2026.6.13 Photo by Yonhap News

Addressing business leaders from both countries, President Lee said, “I hope you can share the experiences and wisdom you have gained in the field, and identify new avenues for cooperation. I am confident that if we join forces, one plus one will be much more than two.”

Key Korean participants at the business roundtable included Wi Sung-lac, Director of the National Security Office; Kim Yongbeom, policy chief at the Blue House; Kim Jeonggwan, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy; Cho Hyun, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Ryu Jin, Chairman of the Federation of Korean Industries; Lee Jaeyong, Chairman of Samsung Electronics; Koo Ja-eun, Chairman of LS Group; Cho Hyunjoon, Chairman of Hyosung Group; Sung Kim, President of Hyundai Motor Company; and Choi Sooyoun, CEO of Naver, among other prominent business leaders.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.