Photo : YONHAP News
President Lee Jae Myung has expressed hope that South Korea and Italy will work together to navigate growing global economic uncertainty by building on their mutually complementary partnership.
Lee, currently on a state visit to Italy, made the remark during a speech at the Korea–Italy Business Roundtable held at a hotel in Rome on Friday evening local time.
Lee said as global uncertainty increases, networks involving trusted partners in technology, talent, supply chains, and industrial cooperation will become increasingly important to corporate competitiveness and national industrial strength.
The president described South Korea and Italy as ideal partners, noting that Italy is a leading nation in basic science with strong capabilities in creative engineering and design, while South Korea is a global leader in advanced manufacturing and technological innovation.
By joining forces, Lee said the two countries can generate significant synergies and help shape a new industrial order and innovation ecosystem.
He also pointed out that Italy is South Korea’s fourth-largest trading partner among European Union member states, adding that there remains considerable potential to further expand bilateral trade and investment given the size of the two economies and their manufacturing capabilities.
Addressing business leaders from both countries, Lee emphasized that the future of bilateral industrial and economic development depends on their efforts.
He said that if the two sides work together, the outcome would be far greater than the sum of their parts.
Giorgio Marsiaj, vice chairman of the Italian business association Confindustria, highlighted similarities between the two countries, noting that just as family-owned enterprises play a major role in Italian capitalism, South Korea’s industrial model is built on a long-term vision and family-centered values that support businesses across generations.
Among those who attended the event were Korea Enterprises Federation Chairman Ryu Jin, Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Lee Jae-yong, Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna.