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 Busi

President Lee Jae-myung, who is in Mexico for a state visit, emphasized the need to resume discussions on a Korea-Mexico trade agreement during his remarks on the 25th (local time). He stated, "I hope that the two governments will promptly resume relevant discussions (including a trade agreement) to strongly support your business challenges and establish a foundation for mutually beneficial cooperation." President Lee reiterated his vision that, amid rising uncertainty in the global trade environment, institutional foundations must be strengthened to expand economic cooperation between the two countries beyond supply chains to advanced industries and cultural sectors.

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

President Lee made these remarks in his congratulatory address at the Korea-Mexico Business Forum held at the World Trade Center in Mexico City, saying, "Economic relations between the two countries have yet to advance to a comprehensive trade agreement."

He added, "With the uncertainty in the global trade environment greater than ever, it is necessary to more securely reinforce the institutional foundation, so companies can confidently expand their business. Considering the complementary structure of both countries' industries and economies, a Korea-Mexico trade agreement will serve as a solid foundation for further advancing economic cooperation."

President Lee particularly mentioned that changes in the North American trade order surrounding the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) should also be seen as an opportunity for new cooperation. He said, "While the uncertainty of the North American trade environment, including the USMCA, poses an undeniable challenge, if enterprises from both countries join forces, it becomes an excellent opportunity to seize a lead in global markets."

He then outlined three directions for bilateral economic cooperation: investment and advanced industry supply chains, future industries and energy, and the cultural creative industry. President Lee affirmed, "For Korean businesses, Mexico is more than just a manufacturing base; it is an important strategic partner connecting North America and the global market. By organically combining Korea's advanced technological competitiveness with Mexico's excellent manufacturing base and local components ecosystem, I hope companies from both countries will expand together beyond North America into 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

In the field of future growth engines, he mentioned cooperation targets including bio, healthcare, beauty as well as energy, power, and digital infrastructure. He stressed, "Korean companies are investing in AI data centers, power systems, and EV manufacturing facilities in Mexico. We are also collaborating on energy businesses such as low-carbon and methanol projects. There is a need to combine Mexico's industrial upgrading policy, 'Plan Mexico,' with Korea's manufacturing technology capabilities."

President Lee also suggested that cultural industries such as K-pop, K-dramas, and K-food are another pillar of economic cooperation. He stated, "While advanced technology industries are important, as industry and society develop, the cultural sector will gain even more prominence. We must further expand exchange and cooperation in cultural creative sectors including content, food, fashion, beauty, and tourism."

He emphasized the cultural affinity between the peoples of both countries. President Lee said, "Korean people hum Bésame Mucho and La Cucaracha and 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 solid foundation 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 (also Chairman of SK Group), Koo Kwang-mo, Chairman of LG, Koo Ja-eun, Chairman of LS, Roh Tae-moon, President of Samsung Electronics, Song Ho-sung, President of Kia, Lee Gye-in, President of POSCO International, and Choi Soo-yeon, CEO of Naver. From the Mexican side, Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard and representatives of major economic organizations and companies participated as well.

In his welcome address, Chairman Chey stated, "If Korea's technological and investment capabilities meet Mexico's strong manufacturing base and outstanding talent, the possibilities we can create together will further grow. We must create new opportunities in advanced industries and supply chains and achieve joint growth in future industries and energy." Minister Ebrard also highlighted artificial intelligence and aerospace as promising fields for future cooperation, noting, "The Korea-Mexico Business Forum marks a new chapter in the relationship between our two countries."

President Lee concluded, "The business leaders of both countries, joining hands on the other side of the globe to discuss the future, are the protagonists of the next 60 years for both nations. The Republic of Korea will serve as a strong and reliable partner for Mexico, actively supporting economic leaders from both countries."

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