Kang Hoon-sik Pushes for Canadian Submarine Contract, Promises 430,000 Jobs by 2044

Kang Hoon-sik, the President's Chief of Staff, continued his efforts to secure a submarine contract in Canada on June 3, meeting with the Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister.

In a Facebook post, Kang reported on the second day of his visit to Ottawa, stating that he met with various Canadian officials to seek support for the submarine bid.

During his meeting with Mark-André Blanchard, Chief of Staff to the Canadian Prime Minister, Kang discussed expanding partnerships in energy and middle-power cooperation, urging for an objective and fair evaluation of the capabilities of South Korean submarines and the economic benefits of industrial collaboration.

Kang noted that this was their third meeting, and both he and Blanchard agreed that the ongoing communication between the two countries' offices is a testament to the strengthening relationship.

He also visited the Canadian Senate, where he met with Marty Deacon, Chair of the National Security, Defence, and Veterans Affairs Committee, and three other senators. Kang explained the economic benefits of linking energy resource cooperation with the submarine project and requested parliamentary support for the bid.

Kang emphasized that 'Team Korea' could contribute to job creation and economic revitalization in Ontario, the heart of manufacturing.

In a meeting with Minister of Industry Mélanie Joly, he highlighted that the agreement between Hanwha, APMA, and Algoma is equivalent to establishing a new automotive plant in Canada.

He introduced the potential impact of submarine cooperation, which could generate CAD 96.3 billion in GDP and create 430,000 jobs by 2044, and shared Hyundai Motor's vision for hydrogen technology.

Additionally, Kang met with Minister of Natural Resources Team Hodgeon to discuss expanding crude oil imports and energy cooperation on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and critical minerals. He also attended the 'Korea-Canada Energy Resource Supply Chain Forum.'

Kang, who departed on May 31, is expected to conclude his visit to Canada and return home around June 4.

Hanwha Ocean is competing with Germany's Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) for the Canadian next-generation submarine contract, valued at up to 60 trillion won. The final contractor announcement is anticipated by the end of June.