President Lee Jae-myung, who is on a state visit to Brazil, said regarding economic exchanges between South Korea and Brazil that "great results can be achieved in three major areas: the joint development of next-generation civilian aircraft, supply chain cooperation in critical minerals, and K-beauty."

Speaking at the South Korea-Brazil Business Roundtable held at a hotel in São Paulo, President Lee stated, "It is very meaningful to discuss future cooperation between our two countries here in São Paulo, which can be called the heart of the South American economy."

He added, "If the business leaders of both countries join forces, South Korea and Brazil can grow together as aviation manufacturing powerhouses leading the global aerospace market, important partners in supply chain cooperation, and furthermore, leaders in the global beauty market."

Regarding civilian aircraft cooperation, he first evaluated that "Brazil possesses top-tier production capabilities for small and medium-sized civilian aircraft."

On critical mineral supply chain cooperation, he diagnosed, "Brazil is a treasure trove of nickel and iron ore, which are essential minerals for advanced industries. It also leads the clean energy market with abundant hydropower, wind power, solar power, and bioethanol."

He continued, "South Korea is a manufacturing powerhouse with capabilities in AI, semiconductors, and biotechnology, as well as automobiles and steel. If South Korea's unrivaled innovative technology and manufacturing capabilities combine with Brazil's abundant resources, our two countries will leap forward as optimal partners leading stable supply chains and future industries together."

Highlighting the K-beauty industry, he emphasized its high potential for cooperation, noting that it is "a sector that has recently gained sensational popularity."

President Lee explained, "Brazil is already South Korea's largest trading partner in South America, and the entry of South Korean companies into Brazil is gradually increasing. However, the volume of trade is still very small compared to the cooperation potential held by both countries."

In addition, he stressed, "The global industrial and economic order is rapidly changing due to intensifying technological hegemony competition represented by the artificial intelligence revolution and the reorganization of supply chains. The higher global uncertainty rises, the more important it is to meet partners who can create synergy by utilizing each other's strengths."

President Lee added, "Regarding this, I had extensive discussions with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva yesterday. Both countries must now find a new path to realize our potential through cooperation. I believe that through today's event, additional areas of cooperation for future joint prosperity will be discovered and concrete outcomes will be produced."

(Photo: Yonhap News)