Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Sung Yun-mo on Jan. 7 looks at a washing machine at the Consumer Electronics Show 2020 in Las Vegas. (Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy)

By Park Hye Ri and Lee Hana

Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Sung Yun-mo on Jan. 7 pledged the government's full support to developing next-generation industries so that Korean businesses can excel in innovation.

Attending the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2020 in Las Vegas, the minister looked around exhibition halls including booths showcasing Korea's technological advances in artificial intelligence (AI), 5G, the internet of things and health care.

The Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency said a record 353 Korean companies are taking part in CES 2020, around 23% more than the 287 last year. 

Sung visited the Samsung, LG, SK and Hyundai Motor booths to offer words of support to industry experts. He also announced plans to push for an industrial intelligence strategy incorporating big data, network and AI technologies to sectors across the board.

The plans will focus on improving policy, R&D, taxation systems and infrastructure development related to semiconductors, biotech and future cars. 

On the sidelines of CES, the minister held meetings with Eric Allison, head of Uber Elevate, and Google Vice President Scott B. Huffman on cooperation in areas such as flying vehicles and AI. 

hrhr@korea.kr