President Lee: "AI, Semiconductors, and Aerospace Are Core Tasks for Korea-Italy Cooperation" (Comprehensive)

President Lee Attends Korea-Italy Business Roundtable
"Optimal Partners Can Create Great Synergy"
"Technology, Talent, and Supply Chain Networks Determine Corporate Competitiveness"
"Cooperation in Bio, Healthcare, Cosmetics, and Food Consu

On the 12th (local time), President Lee Jae-myung stated that "cooperation in strategic high-tech industries such as artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and aerospace, which serve as the foundation for future growth engines, is a core task."

President Lee Jae-myung is speaking at a business roundtable held at a hotel in Rome, Italy, on the 12th (local time). June 13, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News.

During his opening remarks at the Korea-Italy Business Roundtable held at a hotel in downtown Rome that afternoon, President Lee said, "The international economic order is rapidly changing, as seen in the intensifying technology hegemony competition represented by the AI revolution and the restructuring of supply chains." He made these remarks to highlight the significance of collaboration in these fields.

President Lee also emphasized, "As global uncertainty increases, technology, talent, and supply chain networks with reliable partners will determine not only a company’s competitiveness, but also a nation’s overall industrial and technological competitiveness." This message implies that, given the current landscape in which U.S.-China strategic competition, supply chain restructuring, and competition for leadership in advanced technology are intertwined, Korea and Italy need to strengthen their strategic industrial partnership.

President Lee further stressed the complementary nature of the two countries’ industrial structures and technological capabilities. He said, "Italy, as a powerhouse in basic science with creative engineering and design capabilities, and Korea, as a leader in advanced manufacturing and technological innovation, are truly the optimal partners." He added, "If the two countries join forces, we can create great synergy by jointly designing a new industrial order and innovation ecosystem."

He also mentioned the potential for expanding trade and investment between the two countries. President Lee said, "Italy is Korea’s fourth-largest trading partner among EU member states," and added, "Given the economic scale and manufacturing capabilities of both countries, there is ample room for further expansion in trade and investment moving forward." He continued, "This means the potential for economic cooperation between the two countries is very great."

As a foundation for advanced industrial cooperation, President Lee also proposed collaboration in energy and infrastructure supply chains. He emphasized, "In order to support advanced industries, it is also crucial to jointly establish strong supply chains in energy and infrastructure."

He also cited bio-healthcare and consumer goods as promising areas for cooperation. President Lee noted, "There is a very high level of mutual affinity for each other’s culture," and evaluated that "this affinity will likely become a valuable asset for bilateral cooperation." He went on to say, "Collaboration in consumer goods such as cosmetics and food, including bio and healthcare, is very promising."

Addressing business leaders from both countries, President Lee said, "I hope you will share your experiences and wisdom gained in the field and identify new paths for cooperation. I am confident that if we join forces, one plus one will be far greater than two."

Ryu Jin, Chairman of the Federation of Korean Industries, "Opening Another Path in Rome" ... Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, "We have to work even harder"

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

In his congratulatory remarks, Ryu Jin, Chairman of the Federation of Korean Industries, acknowledged the elevation of bilateral relations to a "special strategic partnership" and expressed his intention to expand cooperation at the economic level. Chairman Ryu stated, "Italy and Korea are the most everyday industrial partners," adding, "We are strengthening our security partnership in supply chain cooperation and the defense sector as well." He emphasized, "Now it is time to expand into advanced industries such as AI, renewable energy, aerospace, and robotics."

Chairman Ryu also discussed the possibility of cooperation in lifestyle sectors, including K-beauty and Italian high fashion. He said, "Recently, the entry of K-beauty into Italy has been attracting attention," and added, "I hope that through cooperation in lifestyle sectors, including high fashion, the two countries will create global brand power." He continued, "All roads lead to Rome," and said, "Here in Rome, we aim to open yet another path. I hope that this path, pioneered together by the economic communities of both countries, will boldly reach toward the future and the global market."

Chairman Ryu also mentioned Korea’s victory over the Czech Republic in its first World Cup match, saying, "Rome has become a city of luck for us overnight, not just a historic and beautiful city."

Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, who attended the event, met with reporters before the event. When asked if he could feel the growing interest in Korean manufacturing technology, he replied, "We have to work even harder." Regarding his relationship with Ferrari Chairman John Elkann, Lee said, "We supply display panels," and added, "(Chairman Elkann) is not only the chairman of Ferrari but also the chairman of Stellantis. Stellantis and Samsung SDI are also building a joint battery plant together." After the Q&A session, Chairman Lee entered the reception hall and had a conversation with Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna, during which they shared their opinions while showing each other their mobile phones.

Chairman Lee served as an outside director on the board of Exor, the holding company of Italy’s Agnelli family, for five years from 2012 to 2017. Exor is also the largest shareholder of Stellantis, which was formed through the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and PSA Peugeot Citroen (PSA). Chairman Elkann, the grandson of the Agnelli family, currently serves as CEO of Exor.

Samsung is currently collaborating with Exor on various business endeavors. Samsung Display recently announced that it will be the exclusive supplier of four types of OLED display panels for Ferrari’s first all-electric sports car, the ‘Ferrari Luce.’ In addition, Samsung SDI and Stellantis are jointly operating the battery joint venture ‘StarPlus Energy’ in Kokomo, Indiana, USA.

Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong and Ferrari Chairman Benedetto Vigna are having a conversation at a business roundtable attended by President Lee Jae-myung at a hotel in Rome, Italy, on the 12th (local time). 2026.6.13 Yonhap News Agency

Meanwhile, at the event, Antonio Tajani, Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, said, "We are always ready to welcome Korean companies." Giorgio Marsiaj, Vice President of Confindustria (The Confederation of Italian Industry), emphasized shared values by stating, "Korea’s industrial model is built on long-term vision and family values that transcend generations in leading and protecting companies. Italian capitalism is also largely driven by family businesses. Our DNA is the same."

Attending the event from Korea were Wi Sunglak, Director of the National Security Office; Kim Yongbeom, policy chief at the Presidential Office; Kim Junggwan, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy; Cho Hyun, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Chairman Ryu Jin and Chairman Lee Jae-yong; Koo Ja-eun, Chairman of LS Group; Cho Hyunjoon, Chairman of Hyosung Group; Kim Jeongsu, Chairman of Samyang Foods; Sung Kim, President of Hyundai Motor Company; Kim Dongchun, President of LG Chem; and Choi Sooyoun, CEO of Naver. On the Italian side, the attendees included Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani; Giorgio Marsiaj, Vice President of Confindustria; Matteo Zoppas, President of the Italian Trade Agency; Benedetto Vigna, CEO of Ferrari; and Gian Piero Di Paolo, CEO of Thales Alenia Space, along with other key government and business figures.

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