President Yoon Suk Yeol emphasized the need for South Korean and French companies to pursue joint research and development (R&D) and large-scale investments in future strategic industries to shorten development timelines and enhance investment efficiency.
On September 8, Yoon attended a Korea-France business roundtable, where he discussed practical cooperation measures with key business leaders from both countries, according to Chief Presidential Secretary Kang Yu-jeong.
The event was organized by the Korea Economic Association and the French Economic Association as part of Yoon's state visit to France. Over 30 attendees included President Yoon, French President Emmanuel Macron, and prominent business and government figures from both nations.
South Korean attendees included Ryu Jin, chairman of the Korea Economic Association; Lee Jae-yong, chairman of Samsung Electronics; Koo Ja-eun, chairman of LS; Cho Hyun-joon, chairman of Hyosung; Ryu Jae-cheol, president of LG Electronics; Sung Kim, president of Hyundai Motor; Choi Soo-yeon, CEO of Naver; Na Sang-seop, CEO of Hanwha TotalEnergies; Seo Jin-seok, CEO of Celltrion; Choi Kyung, vice chairman of Cosmax; Lee Jun-gu, CEO of Qunova Computing; and Kim Hwa-cheon, president of Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power.
French attendees included François Jacob, CEO of Air Liquide; Jean Lemierre, chairman of BNP Paribas; Nicolas Hieronimus, CEO of L'Oréal; Félix Burel, CEO of Opimo Mobility; Thierry Le Henaff, chairman of Arkema; Claude Imbert, chairman of Orano's board; Frédéric Sanchez, chairman of Fives; and Frédéric Lemaître, CEO of Genethon.
Also present were Arthur Mangin, co-founder and CEO of MistralAI; Alexandre Lebrun, co-founder and CEO of AMI Labs; Nicolo Somaschi, co-founder of Qundela; and Marc Schwartz, chairman of Moned Paris.
During the roundtable, discussions focused on combining the strengths of both countries in future strategic industries such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technology, mobility, energy, biotechnology, and beauty, and connecting these to business and investment opportunities.
In the AI sector, plans for strategic investment cooperation between Samsung Electronics and MistralAI were discussed. Expectations were also shared regarding Naver and MistralAI's efforts to target the sovereign AI market and jointly enter the global market based on their existing partnership.
In the quantum sector, discussions centered on creating a new cooperation model by combining the core technology of French quantum computing hardware company Qundela with South Korea's semiconductor manufacturing capabilities and AI infrastructure.
In the energy sector, proposals were made to strengthen energy supply chain cooperation between the two countries by linking France's power grid modernization efforts with LS and Hyosung's advanced power equipment technology.
In mobility, Hyundai Motor announced plans to expand cooperation with French companies in the hydrogen industry ecosystem and AI manufacturing innovation. LG Electronics expressed optimism about broadening collaboration opportunities in eco-friendly technologies, including high-efficiency appliances and heat pumps, as well as in mobility and AI.
In the beauty sector, discussions were held on jointly promoting next-generation beauty innovations by combining L'Oréal's global brand capabilities with Cosmax's product development expertise.
Celltrion presented a case study on its acquisition of French healthcare company Gifrer, sharing ways to contribute to the French healthcare sector by combining South Korea's biosimilar technology with France's healthcare capabilities.
President Yoon noted that after hearing from business leaders, he confirmed that there are many broad and diverse areas for cooperation between South Korea and France. He stated that pursuing joint R&D and large-scale investments in new fields could shorten development timelines and enhance investment efficiency compared to individual efforts.
Yoon also highlighted the potential for growth in cultural and artistic sectors as new industries, emphasizing that combining the strengths of both countries could create new markets and opportunities. He expressed hope for expanded practical cooperation, including R&D at the government level, alongside corporate collaboration.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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