Kang Hoon-sik, Chief of Staff to President Lee Jae-myung, is visiting Canada as a special envoy for strategic economic cooperation. His trip is expected to focus on expanding energy and supply chain collaboration, as well as supporting a major submarine project involving South Korean companies.
On May 31, Kang departed for Canada with officials from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with representatives from businesses and organizations in the energy, resources, supply chain, and advanced industries sectors.
This visit aims to discuss ways to enhance strategic economic cooperation between South Korea and Canada. Strengthening collaboration in energy, critical minerals, and supply chains is anticipated to be a key agenda item.
In a Facebook post, Kang stated, "As confirmed during the phone call between the two leaders on May 8, the relationship between South Korea and Canada is rapidly expanding across the economy, energy, and advanced industries. Given the complementary nature of our economic and industrial structures, there is significant potential for cooperation between global middle powers."
He added, "As this is the second special envoy visit in four months, I will do my utmost to achieve tangible results in the fields of energy, resources, supply chains, and advanced industries."
Political observers believe Kang will participate in the 'Korea-Canada Resource Security Supply Chain Cooperation Forum' and support domestic companies in their bidding activities.
A focal point of interest is Canada's next-generation submarine project (CPSP), estimated to be worth up to 60 trillion won. Canada is pursuing a plan to acquire up to 12 diesel submarines to replace its Victoria-class submarines, which are set to be decommissioned in the mid-2030s.
Currently, Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries are competing with Germany's TKMS, proposing the 3,600-ton 'Jangbogo-III Batch-II' submarine. The final selection of the contractor is expected to be announced by the end of next month.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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