South Korea is committed to strengthening economic cooperation with Europe, Prime Minister Han Seong-sook said Tuesday, stressing the strong foundations of the relationship.
Speaking at a special reception hosted by the Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the French-Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Han reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting greater investment and business collaboration.
“Germany, France and other EU countries have long been steadfast partners of Korea, supporting one another’s economic and industrial development on the basis of mutual trust,” Han said. She added that they share the values of openness and innovation and a commitment to free trade and a rules-based international order.
“The government will do its best to ensure that the investments and ambitions of German and French companies lead to even greater success in Korea.”
Reaffirming Seoul’s support for European businesses in Korea, Han highlighted the Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business to be held in Seoul next month as an opportunity for further cooperation and growth.
“I hope it will provide a valuable opportunity for Korean and German companies to open new avenues for growth through further investment and cooperation,” Han said.
The event was attended by South Korean officials and 200 representatives of European businesses and governments, including German Ambassador to Korea Georg Schmidt, European Union to Korea Ambassador Ugo Astuto, Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of France Philomene Robin Pierron, KGCCI Chair Park Hyun-nam and FKCCI Chair David-Pierre Jalicon.
According to KGCCI, the event underscored the commitment of German, French and other European companies to Korea’s economic development and provided a forum to discuss economic policy, foreign investment and the business climate.
Park called for efforts to sustain Korea’s momentum in growth and innovation, highlighting Germany’s potential role.
“Predictability, open dialogue and internationally competitive business conditions will be key to sustaining this momentum,” Park said.
“German companies are ready to play their part in Korea’s next chapter of growth. The German Chancellor’s expected visit to Korea for the APK 2026, to be held in Seoul next month, underscores the strategic importance Germany places on Korea and the region.”
Jalicon also called for deeper cooperation.
“Madame Prime Minister, your presence is particularly meaningful for the French community this year as France and Korea celebrate the 140th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, and as the FKCCI celebrates its 40th anniversary,” Jalicon said.
“These anniversaries are not only opportunities to reflect on the strength of our relationship. They are also an invitation to build new connections through concrete cooperation, investment, and innovation.”
cheesuk@heraldcorp.com
