- Korean firms to invest $150B in the U.S. across AI, semiconductors, shipbuilding, and nuclear energy.
- FKI-led roundtable emphasizes supply chain sharing and advanced tech cooperation.
- Talks expand to defense, space, biotech, and energy transition collaborations.
Important representatives from the economic sectors of South Korea and the United States met to explore methods for collaborating on initiating a manufacturing revival in the United States. Korean firms revealed ambitious investment strategies totaling $150 billion in the United States, concentrating on sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductors, as well as strategic fields such as shipbuilding and nuclear energy.
FKI Chairman Ryu Jin stated in his representative speech, “If Korea’s high manufacturing technology is combined with the U.S.'s innovative capabilities; the two countries will become partners creating the best synergy.” He added, “Through this summit, both countries will pursue a broader framework of win-win cooperation, sharing supply chains and technologies across advanced industries like AI and semiconductors, as well as strategic industries like shipbuilding and nuclear power, beyond simply expanding production facilities.”
Extensive talks focused on enhancing collaboration in advanced and strategic industries under the banner "Manufacturing Renaissance Partnership" occurred between the economic sectors of both nations, featuring senior government figures like Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jung-kwan and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick.
Also Read: South Korea to Restructure Petrochemical Sector, Cut Capacity
Participants deliberated on solutions to new energy challenges in the AI age, the progress of AI in manufacturing, and examined fresh collaboration agendas in the defense and space fields. In the biotechnology sector, they voiced aspirations, including suggestions for collaborative research and development and technology partnership projects.
Especially in the shipbuilding industry, recognized as a crucial collaborative sector, they reiterated their dedication to enhancing bilateral cooperation. Participants highlighted that Korea, being a U.S. ally with top-tier shipbuilding capabilities, is the ideal partner now that the U.S. government has prioritized shipbuilding industry revitalization as a key policy initiative. They also mentioned that several collaborative initiatives would be undertaken for the future advancement of the shipbuilding sectors in both countries.
An FKI official explained, “There was a shared recognition that cooperation between the U.S., with its core source technologies, and Korea, with its manufacturing capabilities, in advanced and strategic industrial sectors including shipbuilding, is a crucial task directly linked not only to the security of both countries but also to the stability of the international community order.” He added, “In addition, discussions were held on cooperation in energy transition areas such as the energy highway pursued by Korea’s new government, supply chain areas including procurement of critical minerals, as well as mutual advice for improving business environments in both countries.”