Kang Hoon-sik, the 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 South Korean companies involved in a major submarine project.
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. Key topics are expected to include strengthening collaboration in energy, critical minerals, and supply chains.
Kang stated on Facebook, "As confirmed during the leaders' call 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 our countries as global mid-sized 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 areas 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 securing contracts.
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, a consortium led by Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is competing against Germany's TKMS with a proposal for 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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