What Did Seoul's Industry Minister Discuss with His UAE Counterpart?
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Synopsis
In a significant meeting, South Korea’s Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan and UAE counterpart Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber explored future collaborations in AI and energy sectors. This meeting underscores a broader commitment between the two nations to enhance economic ties and innovation in advanced technology.
Key Takeaways
- South Korea and UAE are strengthening ties in AI and energy.
- Collaboration inspired by the Barakah nuclear power plant model.
- Discussion on advanced manufacturing and energy infrastructure.
- Need for South Korea to reform business policies for global competitiveness.
- Urgent investments required to keep pace in the AI sector.
Seoul, Nov 20 (NationPress) The South Korean Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan held discussions this week with his counterpart from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) regarding collaboration in the artificial intelligence (AI) and energy sectors, as reported by officials in Seoul on Thursday.
The meeting took place in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, where Kim engaged with UAE Industry Minister Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber to explore opportunities for exchange in these industries. This dialogue followed a recent summit where the leaders of both nations committed to enhancing economic collaboration across multiple sectors, as outlined by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources.
Earlier this week, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan convened in Abu Dhabi to agree on a joint initiative aimed at developing a cooperation model for global market entry, inspired by the Barakah nuclear power plant.
The Barakah facility was constructed by the Korea Electric Power Corp., representing Korea's inaugural overseas nuclear energy initiative.
Furthermore, Seoul has expressed its intent to participate in the UAE's Stargate project, which focuses on AI and energy infrastructure.
During their meeting, the two ministers also exchanged insights on enhancing bilateral cooperation in advanced manufacturing, petroleum, liquefied natural gas, and batteries.
In related news, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won emphasized the necessity for South Korea to reform its business policies to facilitate large-scale investments in the AI sector. He highlighted the urgency for swift and strategic investments to compete effectively in the global AI landscape.
Chey remarked, "The competition hinges not only on scale but also on speed," asserting that economic security will depend on leadership in the AI field. His comments come amid calls from the business community for the government to relax financial regulations to meet the escalating demand for funding in advanced industries.
Chey warned that without proactive measures, South Korea's economy could experience negative growth starting in 2030, stating, "Failure to act soon will result in significant costs and sacrifices once the economy declines."
Point of View
It is crucial for South Korea to adapt its policies to remain competitive on the global stage. The push for speedy investments in AI is a clear signal of the urgency to keep pace in an era of rapid technological advancement.
NationPress
20/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main topic of discussion between the ministers?
The primary focus was on cooperation in the fields of artificial intelligence and energy.
Which countries' ministers met recently?
The ministers from South Korea and the United Arab Emirates met to discuss cooperation.
What significant project did South Korea participate in with the UAE?
South Korea decided to join the UAE's Stargate project, which focuses on AI and energy infrastructure.
Why is there a call for policy reform in South Korea?
There is a need for business-friendly policies to encourage large-scale investments in the AI sector.
What did SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won warn about?
He warned that without proactive measures, South Korea's economy might face negative growth starting in 2030.
