Kang Hoon-sik: South Korea is Canada's Unique Partner for Submarine Procurement

Kang Hoon-sik, Chief of Staff to the President, stated on June 2 that selecting South Korea as a partner for Canada’s submarine procurement process would exemplify a successful case of defense procurement reform and serve as a new engine for economic growth.

Currently visiting Canada as a special envoy for strategic economic cooperation, Kang shared this insight on his Facebook page after meeting with Canadian Minister of Defence Procurement Steven Pure and Minister of National Defence David McGuinty.

Kang departed for Canada on May 31 to support South Korean companies in their bid for the Canadian next-generation submarine project, with the selection process set to conclude in just over a month.

During a meeting in Ottawa on June 1, Kang emphasized to Ministers Pure and McGuinty that South Korea, as a leading defense nation, is willing and capable of actively contributing to Canada’s security amid increasing uncertainties in international affairs, such as the prolonged conflict in the Middle East.

Before meeting with the Defence Minister, Kang arrived at Toronto Pearson International Airport and first visited the 'Sewol Ferry Memorial Chair' located by Lake Ontario, followed by participation in the 'Korea-Canada Advanced Industry Cooperation Business Roundtable.'

In his remarks at the business roundtable, Kang noted that combining Canada’s abundant resources and technology with South Korea’s advanced manufacturing capabilities could serve as a true model of the 'middle power solidarity' emphasized by Mark Carney. He also outlined plans to continue expanding purchases and investments in Canadian crude oil, LNG, LPG, and critical minerals.

Kang further shared a vision during his meeting with Ontario Premier Doug Ford, stating that the two countries could become leaders in the global market through cooperation in hydrogen vehicles and defense vehicles. He emphasized his commitment to contributing to the creation of future growth engines for the economy and establishing a stable energy supply structure that can withstand changes in international circumstances.