▲ From left: National Security Advisor Wi Sung-lac, Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, and Chief Presidential Secretary for Policy Kim Yong-beom converse at a business roundtable attended by President Lee Jae-myung on June 12 (local time).
At the Korea-Italy Business Roundtable, held on the occasion of President Lee Jae-myung's state visit to Italy, leading business figures from both nations pledged to take the lead in promoting bilateral cooperation.
Chief Presidential Secretary for Policy Kim Yong-beom introduced the key remarks of the roundtable participants during a briefing on June 12 (local time).
First, Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong introduced, "Italy is a special country for Samsung," adding, "Events like the Milan Furniture Fair have been an incredible source of inspiration, and Samsung's Chief Design Officer is also from Italy."
He went on to say, "If Italy, a scientific powerhouse, and South Korea, a leader in technological innovation, join forces, we will be able to expand cooperation across various high-tech industries."
LS Group Chairman Koo Ja-eun shared recent achievements in collaboration with Italy, stating, "We will strive to produce tangible results in the power infrastructure sector with Italy, which holds great significance as a 'Mediterranean hub' connecting North Africa and Europe."
Hyosung Group Chairman Cho Hyun-joon also cited cooperation cases in fashion and finance, expressing his ambition to "contribute to the economic development of both nations by expanding cooperation in fields such as eco-friendly materials and energy infrastructure."
Samyang Foods Chairwoman Kim Jung-soo mentioned joint research and development to improve the taste and quality of noodle products from both countries, such as Korean ramyeon and Italian pasta.
Moon Jae-young, president of HD Hyundai Construction Equipment, expressed gratitude for the swift resolution of issues related to the super-depreciation system (a system that reduces corporate tax burdens by recognizing expenses higher than the actual purchase price when a company introduces new equipment). He even compared the Italian government's speed in resolving the issue to a "Ferrari."
In addition, companies including LG Chem, Naver, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), Fashion Group Hyungji, Cosmax, and Cureverse expressed their commitment to expanding cooperation with Italian companies in their respective fields.
Italian business leaders reciprocated with warm responses.
Ferrari Chairman John Elkann expressed his affinity, saying, "Korea is a market that constantly inspires us and feels like a home country." He added, "Beyond our traditional presence in luxury cars, we hope to collaborate with Korea through joint research and development (R&D) in electrification and digitalization."
In relation to this, a presidential official shared an anecdote, noting that Chairman Elkann and Chairman Lee have been friends for 27 years, and that Lee had previously served as an outside director for Ferrari.
In addition to Chairman Elkann, Biagio Mazzotta, chairman of the Italian defense and shipbuilding company Fincantieri, and Simone Dominici, CEO of the cosmetics brand Kiko Milano, expressed their hopes for collaborative partnerships with South Korea.
Following the business leaders' remarks, President Lee said, "In this era of great transition, solidarity and cooperation among countries that share common values are crucial." He added, "I hope South Korea and Italy will develop together amid the dynamically changing global order, and I look forward to business leaders playing a pivotal role in that process."
Kim also reported that after the event, President Lee held an impromptu "follow-up meeting" with South Korean business leaders to express his gratitude for their participation.
While encouraging the business leaders to actively propose policy suggestions, the president requested, "Please submit proposals that are difficult for individual ministries to handle directly to the Office of the Chief Presidential Secretary for Policy."
He also shared the news that a direct hotline proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his previous visit to India has been established between the Indian Prime Minister's Office and the South Korean presidential office, and that "Korea Business Week" has been confirmed to take place in India late this month.
A presidential official also mentioned that the hotel hosting the event prepared a cake to celebrate South Korea's victory in its first match of the North and Central American World Cup.
(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.