Lee calls Korea and Italy 'optimal partners' for business cooperation at Rome roundtable

President Lee Jae Myung said on Friday that Korea and Italy are optimal partners for business cooperation and that the countries could build a "new industrial order" by working together.

Lee made the remarks in his opening statement at a business roundtable in Rome, which took place to explore ways to enhance economic cooperation between Korea and Italy.

During his summit with Italian President Sergio Mattarella a day earlier, the two leaders agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a special strategic partnership and explore ways to expand cooperation in semiconductors, AI and other strategic areas.

"With Italy being a powerhouse in basic science with its creative engineering and design capabilities, and Korea a powerhouse in advanced manufacturing with its innovative technological capabilities, the two countries are optimal partners," Lee said.

Amid a rapidly changing global economy — driven by deepening technological competition and restructuring supply chains — the two countries could establish a new industrial order and create an innovative ecosystem if they work together, the Korean president noted.

"I hope that we will overcome global economic uncertainties together based on our mutually beneficial relations," he said.

The two countries have significant potential for economic cooperation, he also said, citing AI, semiconductors, energy, health care, cosmetics and other consumer goods as prospective areas for cooperation.

Business leaders from 30 companies from both countries attended the event, including Ryu Jin, the chairman of the Federation of Korean Industries; Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong; Hyosung Group Chairman Cho Hyun-joon; Hyundai Motor President Sung Kim; and Naver CEO Choi Soo-yeon.

Italian participants included Giorgio Marsiaj, the vice president of the General Confederation of Italian Industry, or Confindustria, and Benedetto Vigna, the CEO of luxury carmaker Ferrari.

Participating business leaders discussed ways to enhance cooperation in strategic areas such as advanced industries, energy, infrastructure and future-oriented sectors.

During a press availability ahead of the event, Samsung Chairman Lee said, "We should be working harder," when asked whether he could feel growing overseas interest in Korea's manufacturing capabilities.

Asked about his relationship with John Elkann, the chairman of Ferrari, the Samsung chair said that Samsung supplies displays to the carmaker, while Stellantis is also building a joint battery factory with Samsung SDI.

Yonhap