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.