Month: March 2026

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, at the opening ceremony of the second edition of the National Training Course for Talents Handling Foreign-related Arbitration (Hong Kong) today (March 9):

Director Liu (Director of China Legal Service (H.K.) Limited, Ms Liu Changchun), Mr Huang (Vice Council Chair of the School of Continuing Education, China University of Political Science and Law, Mr Huang Ruiyu), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Environmental Protection Department today announced updated qualifying standards (QS) for the First Registration Tax concessions for environment-friendly commercial vehicles (EFCVs). The new standards will be in effect from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027.

For heavy-duty commercial vehicles exceeding 3.5 tonnes, the QS will be revised to include national requirements. To qualify, vehicles must emit at least 30% less nitrogen oxides (NOx) than the China VI-b or Euro VI emission limits.

As the NOx emission limits for both standards are identical, the existing QS emission limit will remain unchanged.

For light-duty commercial vehicles not exceeding 3.5 tonnes (excluding taxis), the standard will be tightened to require emissions not exceeding the China 6b limit. This is approximately 40% to 60% of the Euro 6 standard.

The QS for taxis will remain unchanged, requiring NOx emissions to be at least 80% lower than the Euro 6 limit.

The First Registration Tax concession rates and caps for all EFCVs will remain the same.

Source: Government of the Republic of Korea

His Excellency President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines, President Ferdinand Ferrer of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chairman Ryu Jin of the Federation of Korean Industries, distinguished business leaders of Korea and the Philippines,

Magandang umaga po – good morning.

It is truly meaningful to see business leaders from our two countries gathered here today to explore new avenues for future cooperation together.

When I think of the Philippines, three things come to mind.

First, it reminds me of the Monument Dedicated to the Philippine Armed Forces in the Korean War, which I often saw while traveling to and from Goyang City during my tenure as Governor of Gyeonggi Province.

The Philippines was the third country – after the United States and the United Kingdom – and the first among Asian nations to send thousands of troops to fight alongside us during the Korean War.

We will never forget that the Philippines’ unwavering friendship and dedication helped us secure the foundation upon which the Republic of Korea now stands.

The second thing that comes to mind is Filipino music.

Freddie Aguilar’s timeless masterpiece “Anak,” loved all around the world, has resonated deeply across generations.

Music is an integral part of Filipino life and a language of connection that brings people together.

The reason “Anak” has been cherished for so many years is surely because the emotions and earnestness expressed in the song transcend borders and inspire shared empathy.

And finally, I am reminded of the Philippines’ time-honored tradition of trade.

From the 16th to 19th centuries, the Manila galleon trade route linked Asia, the Americas and Europe, opening a new chapter in the history of global commerce.

The Philippines’ shipbuilding capabilities – as seen through the past construction of galleons – and its rich maritime traditions hold immense potential even today.

I am confident that, before long, vessels built at Subic Bay shipyard will carry Philippine-made goods to ASEAN markets and beyond, ushering in a new era of trade.

Distinguished business leaders of our two nations,

We are profoundly grateful to the Philippines, a long-time trusted friend of the Republic of Korea. The country is also a cherished partner with whom we will continue to shape our shared future.

Yesterday, President Marcos and I agreed to broaden cooperation across a wide range of areas – including trade and investment, artificial intelligence and digital technologies, as well as critical minerals – in order to further advance our Strategic Partnership.

Above all, we shared a strong consensus on the need to deliver concrete outcomes that can tangibly benefit our peoples in daily life.

The business leaders gathered here today have played an indispensable role in steadfastly advancing our bilateral relations.

Going forward, I expect you to continue taking the lead in opening new opportunities through insightful judgment and bold initiatives.
Now, I would like to outline three directions for economic cooperation between our two countries.

The first is cooperation in manufacturing to build a more robust foundation for bilateral trade.

The Philippines possesses critical minerals such as nickel and cobalt, while Korea has advanced manufacturing technologies in cutting-edge industries, including semiconductors and electronics. Building on this complementary industrial structure, our two countries are poised to generate substantial synergy.

The shipbuilding sector also holds enormous potential for cooperation.

Last September, President Marcos demonstrated his strong commitment to bilateral cooperation by attending the ceremony marking the commencement of production at Subic Bay shipyard.

Moving beyond simple manufacturing, we must also join forces in the emerging field of Manufacturing AI – integrating AI into production – to dramatically enhance productivity and establish a forward-looking model of industrial cooperation.

Next is cooperation in energy in order to guarantee a sustainable future.

With the era of AI and digital technology entering full swing, the importance of the energy transition and carbon neutrality is growing ever greater.

The Philippines has enacted a National Nuclear Energy Safety Act with the goal of constructing a commercial nuclear power plant by 2032, while also actively expanding renewable energy sources such as solar. If these initiatives are combined with Korea’s world-class nuclear technology and clean energy supply capabilities, our two countries will be able to jointly establish stable and environmentally friendly energy systems.

And finally, cooperation in modernization of infrastructure to accelerate growth.

Logistics infrastructure that connects port, road, railway, and airport serves as the lifeblood of the economy.

The Philippines is working to modernize its infrastructure on a large scale through the Luzon Economic Corridor project and the “Build Better More” initiative. Many Korean businesses are taking part in this effort and ramping up their cooperation.

Upon its successful completion, these projects are aimed to further revitalize the Philippine economy and significantly improve the quality of life of citizens.

Distinguished business leaders from both countries,

Building upon our long-standing trust, our two countries aim to move forward – today as “partners for mutual growth” and tomorrow as “strategic partners for shared prosperity.”

If we shape the businesses of the future together by building on the solidarity of the past, we will create new opportunities through our cooperation not just in our two countries but also in the Asia–Pacific region and beyond.

Korea will cooperate with the Philippines to foster the most favorable environment for companies from both countries to grow together.

Together with the Philippines, as this year’s ASEAN Chair, we will establish a new milestone in Korea–ASEAN cooperation.

The Philippines has a beautiful tradition of bayanihan, or community spirit, which emphasizes mutual support over personal reward. I hope that this spirit will be reflected in our discussions today.

I look forward to this event serving as a starting point for renewed cooperation between Korea and the Philippines.

Maraming salamat po – thank you very much.

Source: Government of the Republic of Korea

(unofficial translation)

On behalf of the people of the Republic of Korean, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to President Marcos and the people of the Philippines for the invitation and warm welcome extended to me and my delegation.

It is a great pleasure to meet President Marcos again here in Manila, just four months after our first meeting in Gyeongju last October.

It is all the more meaningful to visit the Philippines today – our long-standing friend and key ally – as we commemorate the 77th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries.

The Philippines was the first ASEAN member state with which Korea established diplomatic ties and the first Asian nation that sent troops to fight alongside us during the Korean War – a nation to which we remain deeply grateful. Over the past 77 years, our bilateral relationship has been steadily built up on a foundation of historical solidarity, enduring friendship and vibrant substantive cooperation.

At today’s summit, President Marcos and I agreed, based on our Strategic Partnership, to further deepen our substantive cooperation in areas of trade, infrastructure and the defense industry. We also agreed to expand our cooperation into new strategic sectors for growth, including shipbuilding, nuclear power and artificial intelligence.

We discussed avenues for cooperation on responding to rapidly evolving economic and security environments and achieving shared prosperity. Now, allow me to outline the key outcomes of today’s summit.

First, we agreed to further expand bilateral trade and investment on the basis of the Korea–Philippines Free Trade Agreement, and significantly reduce the difficulties faced by companies.

Since the Korea–Philippines FTA entered into force in 2024, Korea’s investment in the Philippines has increased more than fivefold, with bilateral trade and investment continuing to grow steadily.

The Memoranda of Understanding on intellectual property rights and on the agricultural sector, concluded today, are expected to facilitate businesses’ entry into their respective fields, stimulate regional trade and investment, and boost the FTA’s efficacy.

In step with these efforts, President Marcos mentioned that he will make proactive efforts to support Korean firms entering the Philippine market and alleviate the difficulties they face. I would like to take this opportunity to once again express my appreciation.

Second, our two countries concurred on the need to further strengthen cooperation in strategic industrial sectors, including infrastructure and the defense industry.

I conveyed to President Marcos Korea’s support for the infrastructure initiatives he has prioritized and affirmed our commitment to partnering closely on these efforts. President Marcos, in turn, warmly welcomed Korea’s participation.

Furthermore, on the basis of the Implementation Agreement for the Defense Industry Procurement, we will lend our support to Korean defense industry firms to actively participate in projects involving the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Third, our two countries agreed to further expand bilateral cooperation in emerging growth sectors, including shipbuilding, nuclear power, supply chains, artificial intelligence and digital technologies.

As Korea and the Philippines stand as shipbuilding powerhouses – ranking second and fourth globally in terms of shipbuilding volume, respectively – the shipbuilding industry holds significant potential for bilateral cooperation. By expanding our cooperation in this sector, we can expect to enhance the competitiveness of our industries and generate synergies.

We also agreed to strengthen substantive cooperation in the field of nuclear power. Building on the outcomes of the Feasibility Study for the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant Resumption and the MOU for Cooperation on New Nuclear Power Projects, we will become optimal partners for nuclear power cooperation.

Korea’s advanced technologies and the Philippines’ rich reserves of critical minerals make our two countries ideal partners in the critical mineral sector. Building on the MOU for Cooperation in Critical Minerals, adopted during this visit, we agreed to further expand substantive cooperation on critical minerals and supply chains.

Furthermore, building on MOU on Digital Cooperation, we have broadened our science and technology partnership to include such areas as artificial intelligence and next-generation communications infrastructure. This expansion is expected to serve as a steadfast cornerstone in accelerating the Philippines’ digital transformation and realizing Korea’s vision of becoming one of the world’s top three AI powers.

Fourth, on the occasion of my State Visit, we look forward to increasing people-to-people exchanges and deepening friendships.

Last year, 1.35 million Koreans traveled to the Philippines, claiming the largest share among foreign visitors. The same year, 610,000 Filipinos visited Korea, the highest number among ASEAN member states.

President Marcos and I shared the view that vibrant bilateral cultural and people-to-people exchanges serve as invaluable bridges between our two countries. We also agreed to further promote Korean language education and people-to-people exchanges by adopting MOU on Korean language and cultural cooperation.

President Marcos assured me that the Philippine government will provide its utmost effort to protect the lives and safety of Koreans visiting or residing in the Philippines. I also expressed my commitment to continue paying close attention to the safety of Filipino workers in Korea and the settlement of multicultural families.

I would like to express my gratitude once again to the Philippine government for its efforts to protect Korean nationals, for instance, by establishing a Korean help desk at a Philippine National Police station. As for the MOU for Police Cooperation, I believe that it will help law enforcement authorities in both our countries cooperate more extensively in their efforts to respond to and eradicate transnational crimes.

Finally, as long-standing friends and strategic partners, our two countries agreed to continue cooperating on bringing peace and stability to the region.

Korea will actively support the Philippines during its tenure as 2026 ASEAN Chair. We two leaders agreed to strive to create synergy by linking this year’s Chair priorities of Peace and Security Anchors, Corridor of Prosperity (Economic Integration) and People Empowerment (Capacity Building) with the Korea–ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) vision of Facilitator of Dreams and Hope, Springboard for Growth and Innovation, and Partner for Peace and Stability.

In addition, during today’s meeting, President Marcos and I discussed the regional situation as well as recent developments in the Middle East. We expressed our hope that peace and stability in the Middle East will be restored promptly.

Furthermore, I would like to express my gratitude to President Marcos for actively supporting our government’s efforts to secure peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula through the resumption of dialogue.

I hope that today’s meeting will help deepen our friendship and bilateral cooperation and guide our two countries forward as key future partners.

Thank you – maraming salamat po!

Source: Government of the Republic of Korea

Honorable Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and the people of Singapore,

On behalf of the people of the Republic of Korea, I would like to express my deep gratitude for your warm welcome.

I find it particularly meaningful that we are holding a summit here in Singapore just four months after our meeting in Seoul last November.

Over the past century, Korea and Singapore have demonstrated remarkable potential to rise as exemplary middle powers, turning limited natural resources and geopolitical challenges into platforms for advancement during the process of nation-building and modernization.

Prime Minister Wong and I shared the view that, as we navigate yet another challenge – the era of hyper-uncertainty in the 21st century – our two countries can become reliable partners.

Accordingly, we agreed to further deepen our bilateral cooperation, which was elevated to the level of a Strategic Partnership last year to mark the 50th anniversary of our establishment of diplomatic relations.

We concurred on the need to bolster the economic ties that have led the development of our bilateral relations, while accelerating innovation in future-oriented, cutting-edge industries such as artificial intelligence and further reinforcing the foundations of our cooperation in defense and security. To this end, our two governments adopted a joint statement and five Memoranda of Understanding.

Going forward, we will continue to closely communicate with each other and proceed with swiftly implementing relevant initiatives.

Allow me to elaborate on the key outcomes of today’s summit.

First, as leading countries in the regional free trade order, we agreed to further strengthen economic solidarity, cooperation in economic security and cooperation in strategic investments.

To this end, our two countries agreed to launch negotiations on the upgrade of the Korea–Singapore Free Trade Agreement, and moments ago adopted a Joint Statement.

We two leaders agreed to upgrade the bilateral Free Trade Agreement, which took effect twenty years ago, in a manner that fully reflects evolving trade and economic security dynamics, as well as technological advances.

We also agreed to advance our close cooperation on investment in a more strategic manner.

An MOU on Investment Partnership, adopted between the Korea Development Bank and Seviora – a Temasek-owned Asset Management Group – will spearhead this investment cooperation.

I believe that as investment in Korea’s promising small and medium-sized enterprises and emerging industries increases, it will further bolster our two nations’ shared growth.

We also agreed to conclude an MOU on Cooperation in the field of smart farming at the earliest opportunity. We will expand our cooperation in advancing sustainable agriculture based on cutting-edge technology, as well as in strengthening food security.

Second, we agreed to expand our broad-based cooperation in the fields of cutting-edge technology and energy security.

To further deepen our cooperation in AI, we agreed to work toward concluding an AI Cooperation Framework.

Through physical AI‑driven industrial innovation and joint research and expanded investment in real‑world applications of AI, our two countries will secure the momentum needed to advance our AI cooperation.

It is expected that the synergy between the artificial intelligence capabilities and innovative industrial ecosystems of the Republic of Korea and Singapore will further accelerate advances in AI across the region.

In addition, an MOU on Cooperation in Artificial Intelligence and Enabling Digital Technologies for Public Safety and an MOU on Enhanced Cooperation in the Field of Intellectual Property, both adopted today, will further strengthen bilateral cooperation on enhancing the capacity to apply AI in policing and public administration services.

This will serve as an important stepping stone toward translating the “AI for All” vision – which is shared and embraced by our two countries – into concrete outcomes.

We also adopted an MOU on Science and Technology Cooperation to strengthen our partnership in quantum computing, space engineering and satellite technologies; an MOU on Space and Geospatial Information for Environmental and Pollution issues to share and verify environmental satellite data for air quality research; and an MOU on Civil Nuclear Energy Cooperation to jointly develop small modular reactor project models and share related information.

Building on today’s achievements, I look forward to further solidifying our current cooperation in trade, investment and infrastructure and expanding the scope of our bilateral cooperation to include such promising future-oriented fields as AI, nuclear energy and cutting-edge science and technology.

Third, we agreed to expand our cooperation in the security sector further and continue working together to promote peace and stability in the region.

Our two countries agreed to expand ongoing joint research on defense technologies and to continue discussing ways to strengthen national defense capabilities based on advanced technologies.

We will also further strengthen our cooperation in combating transnational crimes such as online scams and cyberthreats.

The Republic of Korea will actively support Singapore in its role as ASEAN Chair next year.

Furthermore, we will work with Singapore on crystallizing and implementing our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) vision in earnest. Announced at last year’s ASEAN–Republic of Korea Summit, this vision comprises “Contributor for Dreams and Hopes,” “Springboard for Growth and Innovation” and “Partner for Peace and Stability.”

Singapore played the important role of serving as the historic location of the 2018 North Korea–United States Summit.

I would like to once again express my deepest gratitude to the Prime Minister for actively supporting our government’s efforts to achieve peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and resume inter-Korean dialogue.

Eight years ago, Singapore demonstrated outstanding diplomatic prowess as a peacemaker through its leadership in promoting dialogue and communication.

I believe that Singapore will continue to play a constructive role in promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula and in the region.

We also discussed the current state of affairs in the Middle East.

We assessed the impact of the situation in the Middle East on the global security and global economy, including energy supply chains. We also shared the hope that stability and peace will be restored in the Middle East.

I am confident that this visit will serve as an opportunity to further deepen friendship and trust between our two countries, and further advance our Strategic Partnership.

Once again, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the government and people of Singapore for extending a warm welcome to me and my delegation.

Source: Government of the Republic of Korea

(Unofficial translation)

Distinguished business leaders, researchers and young innovators who are at the forefront of the artificial intelligence industries of the Republic of Korea and Singapore,

It is a pleasure to meet you.

I find it deeply meaningful to meet all of you here at the Korea–Singapore AI Connect Summit, which will open a new chapter in the future of our two countries.

Today, we stand at the center of a huge civilizational transformation driven by AI.

AI has become a driving force of change that is affecting industrial frameworks, jobs and even our daily lives. It is also a strategic asset with a direct bearing on national competitiveness.

This is why countries around the world are making every effort to secure AI capabilities.

Amid these sweeping changes, it is both inevitable and truly welcome that Korea and Singapore – nations equipped with world-class AI capabilities – have joined hands.

Our two countries share the common experience of having overcome the constraints of limited territory and natural resources through the strength of our people and technology and of having achieved prosperity through unceasing innovation.

Now is the time to apply the spirit of innovation embedded in our DNA to the AI industry, thereby opening new horizons for the digital economy together.

The Korean government will render its full support by ensuring that capital, technology, talent and industry are seamlessly interconnected through the AI Cooperation Framework, which will facilitate substantive cooperation.

First, we will raise US$300 million for a global fund-of-funds (K-VCC) in Singapore by 2030.

This will serve as a key driving force for accelerating the global expansion of AI companies in both countries and fostering an innovation-driven ecosystem for shared growth.

We look forward to young entrepreneurs and startups from both countries sharing their spirit of challenge and passion, spearheading transformations across future industries and confidently shaping the global market.

Second, we will support joint research that transcends national boundaries.

Next year, we will initiate full-scale international joint research and talent exchange programs, enabling researchers from both countries to collaborate closely and devote themselves to developing AI technologies that can potentially solve humanity’s most challenging issues.

We will provide strong support to ensure that the cutting-edge technologies developed through these efforts are widely applied across both societies and successfully introduced in global markets.

Third, we will further invigorate the AI industry ecosystem through cooperation led by the private sector.

Today’s launch of the AI Alliance marks the beginning of an open innovation ecosystem where companies, universities and startups share their knowledge and resources and collaborate.

I believe this will become a solid foundation upon which creative ideas can become reality and young people can continue growing and taking on challenges.

Our bilateral cooperation must advance beyond simple technological exchanges and rise to the level of a strategic industrial partnership.

We will emerge as Asia’s leading innovation hub by pioneering new markets through AI technology and providing young people with opportunities that are broader and more plentiful.

The Korean government will continue to lend strong support so that young, talented individuals from both countries can take on whatever challenges they desire, engage in exchanges and work together on designing our future.

I hope that today’s event will serve as a starting point for businesspeople, young researchers and young people from both countries to freely communicate with one another and realize the vision for cooperation.

I am confident that the shared growth of Korea and Singapore will extend beyond Asia, thus ushering in a great new “Age of AI Exploration,” and that our two countries will assume leadership in setting the course for the global AI industry.

Thank you.