Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Sung Yun-mo on Nov. 14 gives a speech at the 2019 National Economic Advisory Council's international conference at Seoul's Four Seasons Hotel. (Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy)

By Xu Aiying and Lee Hana

An international conference on Nov. 14 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Seoul discussed strengthening the partnership between Korea and the Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN).

Organized by the National Economic Advisory Council and run by the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP), the event was held ahead of the ASEAN-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit slated for Nov. 25 in Busan. The event's theme was "ASEAN and Korea: Partnership for Prosperity."

Attended by KIEP President Lee Jae-young and guests from Singapore and Vietnam, the conference featured topics such as "Opportunities for Korea and ASEAN from the perspective of the global value chain," "Policies for innovation to increase Korea-ASEAN prosperity," and "Macroeconomic policies for Korea and ASEAN."

Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Sung Yun-mo said, "Korea needs to radically expand cooperation with ASEAN countries to strengthen financial security and build new growth engines. Considering the developmental gaps between ASEAN countries, we will actively look into raising cooperation in tech sectors." 

"For countries needing a base for industrialization, we will expand programs that provide on-site technical assistance. With other countries, we will strengthen our competitiveness in new industries."

xuaiy@korea.kr