South Korea and Japan are set to enhance cooperation in future industries, including artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and advanced materials. The initiative aims to link the manufacturing and technological capabilities of regional companies and research institutions to promote joint research and technology exchange, thereby boosting regional industrial competitiveness.
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy will host the 22nd Korea-Japan (Hokuriku) Economic Exchange Conference on October 23 at the Daegu Marriott Hotel, in collaboration with Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. Approximately 150 representatives from both governments, local governments, economic organizations, companies, and research institutions will attend.
The Korea-Japan Hokuriku Economic Exchange Conference has served as a platform for trade and investment cooperation between South Korea's Daegu, Ulsan, Gangwon, and Gyeongsangbuk-do provinces and Japan's three Hokuriku prefectures: Toyama, Ishikawa, and Fukui since its inception in 2000. This year's theme, 'Beyond the 60th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations, Towards Action,' focuses on translating the manufacturing capabilities accumulated by both countries into practical cooperation in future industries.
In the advanced materials sector, discussions will center on joint research and technology cooperation related to carbon fiber composites. South Korea's Gyeongbuk Technopark, Japan's Tsudakoma Corporation, and Kanazawa Institute of Technology's Innovative Composite Materials Research and Development Center will share technologies and research outcomes related to carbon fiber composites and explore future collaboration opportunities.
In the AI and robotics sector, efforts will be made to enhance productivity in manufacturing and expand technology utilization. South Korean cloud software company Tilon will present examples of AI-based workplace innovations, while robotics automation firm I.M. Robotics will showcase applications of autonomous robots in smart factories.
Through these initiatives, both countries aim to expand automation and AI technology utilization in manufacturing and discover new collaboration opportunities with companies in the Hokuriku region. Japanese participants will include Tsudakoma Corporation, Kanazawa Institute of Technology, and NTT Data in the future growth industries session.
Policy exchanges to revitalize regional economies will also take place. South Korea's Daegu and Ulsan cities, Gyeongsangbuk-do, and Gangwon Province will introduce initiatives for fostering the AI and robotics industries, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises in overseas expansion, and addressing regional extinction. Meanwhile, Ishikawa, Toyama, and Fukui prefectures in Japan will share policies related to industrial cluster formation and well-being. Both countries will seek growth strategies that leverage the industrial characteristics and strengths of each region.
The Korea-Japan Hokuriku Economic Exchange Conference laid the groundwork for expanding regional cooperation during the 21st meeting held in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, in August of last year. At that time, over 100 business leaders from both countries discussed carbon neutrality, port and logistics, and regional revitalization policies.
Baek Jun-hyung, Director of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy's Trade Cooperation Bureau, stated, 'For Korea-Japan economic cooperation to develop more broadly and sustainably, collaboration between local governments and regional companies in both countries is crucial. We will actively support this conference to connect the strengths of regional industries and create new growth opportunities in future industries.'
* This article has been translated by AI.
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