Lee Attends Korea-Mexico Business Forum: "Trade Talks Must Resume Swiftly"... Cooperation on Supply Chains and New Industries

President Lee Delivers Address at Business Forum
"Need to Strengthen Institutional Foundations Amid Trade Uncertainty"
Proposes Three Pillars of Cooperation: Supply Chains, Future Industries, and Cultural and Creative Sectors
51 Korean Business Leaders, Including Chey Taewon and Koo Kwangmo, Attend

During his state visit to Mexico, President Lee Jae-myung stressed the need to resume discussions on a Korea-Mexico trade agreement on the 25th (local time), saying, "I hope that both governments will swiftly restart related talks such as a trade agreement, which will provide strong support for the challenges faced by business leaders and create a foundation for mutually beneficial cooperation." Once again, he outlined the need to strengthen the institutional framework to broaden bilateral economic cooperation to include supply chains, high-tech industries, and the cultural sector amid growing uncertainty in the global trade environment.

President Lee Jae-myung is delivering a congratulatory speech at the Korea-Mexico Business Forum held at the World Trade Center in Mexico City on the 25th (local time). 2026.9.26 Yonhap News Agency

In his congratulatory remarks at the Korea-Mexico Business Forum held at the World Trade Center in Mexico City that day, President Lee stated, "The economic relationship between our countries has not yet advanced to a comprehensive trade agreement," expressing his position as above.

President Lee emphasized, "At a time when uncertainty in the global trade environment is deeper than ever, there is a need to further strengthen the institutional foundations so that businesses can confidently expand their operations," and added, "Considering our mutually complementary industrial and economic structures, a Korea-Mexico trade agreement will serve as a solid foundation to further advance our economic cooperation."

He specifically mentioned that the changes in the North American trade order, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), should be viewed as an opportunity for new cooperation. President Lee said, "The uncertainty surrounding the North American trade environment, including the USMCA, is clearly a challenge," but added, "If companies from both countries join forces, it could become a golden opportunity to take the lead in the global market."

He then put forward three main directions for economic cooperation between the two countries: investment and advanced industry supply chains, future new industries and energy, and the cultural and creative industries. President Lee emphasized, "For our companies, Mexico is more than just a production base—it is an important strategic partner connecting the North American and global markets. By organically combining Korea's advanced technological competitiveness with Mexico's excellent manufacturing infrastructure and local parts ecosystem, I hope our companies will grow together beyond North America, reaching the global market."

President Lee Jae-myung is shaking hands with Chey Tae-won, Chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, at the Korea-Mexico Business Forum held at the World Trade Center in Mexico City on the 25th (local time). 2026.9.26 Yonhap News Agency
Photo by Yonhap News Agency

For future growth sectors, bio, healthcare, and beauty, as well as energy, power, and digital infrastructure, were identified as areas for cooperation. President Lee noted, "Korean companies are investing in artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, power systems, and EV production facilities in Mexico, and are also collaborating on energy businesses such as low-carbon and methanol projects." He stressed the need to combine Mexico's industrial advancement policy, "Plan Mexico," with Korea's manufacturing technology capabilities.

He also noted that the cultural industry—including K-pop, K-dramas, and K-food—should be a key pillar of economic cooperation. President Lee stated, "Advanced technology industries are important, but as industry and society develop, the cultural sector will become increasingly prominent." He added, "We must further broaden exchanges and cooperation in the cultural and creative industries, which encompass content, food, fashion, beauty, and tourism."

In his remarks, President Lee further highlighted the cultural closeness between the two peoples. He said, "Koreans who hum 'Bésame Mucho' and 'La Cucaracha' enjoy tacos and tortillas, while Mexicans enjoy samgyeopsal and bulgogi and sing along to K-pop. A deep understanding and respect for each other's cultures is the bedrock of strong cooperation."

President Lee Jae-myung greeted Marcelo Ebrard, Mexico's Secretary of Economy (center), and Francisco Gonzalez, Vice Chairman of the Mexican Foreign Trade Commission (COMCE), at the Korea-Mexico Business Forum held at the World Trade Center in Mexico City on the 25th (local time). 2026.9.26 Yonhap News Photo by Yonhap News Agency

The forum was attended by 51 Korean business leaders, including Chey Tae-won, Chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (and Chairman of SK Group); Koo Kwang-mo, Chairman of LG Corp.; Koo Ja-eun, Chairman of LS Group; Roh Tae-moon, President of Samsung Electronics; Song Ho-sung, President of Kia; Lee Kye-in, CEO of POSCO International; and Choi Soo-yeon, CEO of Naver. On the Mexican side, Secretary of Economy Marcelo Ebrard, along with officials from major economic organizations and companies, were also present.

In his welcoming remarks, Chairman Chey said, "If Korea's technological and investment capabilities meet with Mexico's solid manufacturing foundation and outstanding talent, the possibilities our two countries can create together will grow even greater. We must discover new opportunities in advanced industries and supply chains, and grow together in future industries and energy." Secretary Ebrard also identified artificial intelligence (AI) and aerospace as promising areas for future cooperation, and stated, "The Korea-Mexico Business Forum marks a new chapter in relations between our two countries."

President Lee concluded by saying, "The business leaders of both nations, coming together across the globe to discuss the future, will become the key players in shaping the next 60 years for Korea and Mexico. The Republic of Korea will be a reliable and trustworthy partner for Mexico and will actively support economic cooperation between our two countries."

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