▲ President Lee Jae-myung speaks at the 'Republic of Korea Investment Summit 2026'
President Lee Jae-myung announced that he discussed "cooperation in the shipbuilding sector, including warship construction," during his summit with U.S. President Donald Trump on September 22, local time.
President Lee, who is visiting New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly, said on September 23, local time, at the "Republic of Korea Investment Summit 2026" held in downtown New York, "Last night, I discussed various issues with U.S. President Donald Trump, and one of them was cooperation in the shipbuilding sector, including warship construction."
He added, "Going forward, I anticipate that we may see more tangible results."
President Lee also explained, "Shipbuilding cooperation between South Korea and the United States is taking concrete shape," noting, "Strategic U.S. naval vessels are planned to be built at the Philly Shipyard, where Hanwha is investing, and we are also taking part in developing the next-generation firepower systems for the U.S. military."
Regarding areas beyond shipbuilding, President Lee stated, "With the combination of America's fundamental technology, capital, and expansive market, and South Korea's manufacturing and supply capabilities, the advanced industries and supply chains of both nations are becoming more closely linked than ever before."
He added, "Currently, Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, Hyundai Motor, and Samsung Biologics are making large-scale investments in Texas, Indiana, Georgia, and Maryland, respectively."
President Lee emphasized, "South Korea and the United States are key partners supporting each other's industry and economic security. An alliance between South Korea and the United States that evolves toward the future is the very foundation for shared prosperity," adding, "We expect this cooperation to go beyond prosperity and contribute to peace on the Korean Peninsula."
At the investment summit, President Lee called for bold investments, saying, "The South Korean economy is heading toward a new frontier."
Introducing his vision for economic growth, President Lee said, "South Korea is currently pursuing three mega-projects centered on semiconductors, physical AI, and AI data centers, and in addition, is advancing 'seven seed projects' (fostering SMRs, nuclear fusion, renewable energy, quantum technology, aerospace, bio, materials/parts/equipment, and critical minerals)."
He also pledged, "By expanding semiconductor production hubs, we will double memory production capacity within five years and establish a resilient core AI supply chain that will not waver under any shock," adding, "We are also reshaping government investment support to match the pace of industrial change, and by establishing a future-response fund, we will stably support future industries."
He continued, "We are carrying out reforms to enhance shareholder value, such as amending the Commercial Act three times, and we will accelerate efforts to build an environment where global capital can invest freely," adding, "We are also transitioning the foreign exchange market to a 24-hour trading system to lead changes that global investors can truly feel."
The "Republic of Korea Investment Summit 2026" was attended by numerous business and industrial leaders from both South Korea and the United States.
From the South Korean side, business leaders in attendance included Korea Investment Corporation (KIC) CEO Park Il-young, Samsung Biologics CEO John Rim, SK Vice Chairman Yu Jeong-joon, Hyundai Motor Group President Sung Kim, LG CNS CEO Hyun Shin-gyun, Hanwha Ocean President Jeong In-sub, Doosan Enerbility President Song Yong-jin, and APR CEO Kim Byung-hoon. From the U.S. side, attendees included BlackRock CEO Larry Fink, Citigroup Board Chair and CEO Jane Fraser, and Warburg Pincus Chairman Timothy Geithner.
(Photo: Yonhap News)
※
Copying, redistribution, and unauthorized use in AI training are strictly prohibited.