Future Industry Forum Launched at National Assembly Sarangjae
Woo Wonsik, Joo Hoeyoung, Park Chandae, and Other Ruling and Opposition Lawmakers Gather
Keynote Speech Delivered by Choi Taewon, Chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry
As the global economy faces a turning point due to developments such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the climate crisis, a forum was held at the National Assembly to explore strategies for securing the future industrial competitiveness of South Korea. Based on the voices of industry leaders, including Choi Taewon, Chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the National Assembly plans to consider relevant legislation and policies.
Woo Wonsik, Speaker of the National Assembly, and Choi Taewon, Chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, along with other attendees, are taking a commemorative photo at the launch ceremony of the National Assembly Future Industry Forum held at Sarangjae in the National Assembly on April 22, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin
At the launch ceremony of the "National Assembly Future Industry Forum" held on the morning of April 22 by the National Assembly and the National Assembly Futures Institute, Speaker Woo Wonsik referenced AI and the climate crisis, stating, "Only by responding proactively to change can we open up the future," and emphasized, "We need more than short-term responses by individual companies and industries; fundamental changes to industries and systems are required."
According to the National Assembly, the forum is designed as a communication and cooperation platform to reflect the voices from the industrial field in parliamentary legislation and government policy. The forum will continue to be held regularly to discuss policies and strategies for supporting industries.
In addition to Speaker Woo, the launch ceremony was attended by Deputy Speaker Joo Hoeyoung, Park Chandae, acting leader and floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, Hwang Unha, floor leader of the Rebuilding Korea Party, Chun Haram, acting leader and floor leader of the Reform Party, as well as about 20 lawmakers from relevant standing committees such as the Political Affairs Committee, the Strategy and Finance Committee, and the Trade, Industry, Energy, SMEs, and Startups Committee. The keynote speech was delivered by Choi Taewon, Chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the presentation was given by Kim Kisik, President of the National Assembly Futures Institute.
Speaker Woo remarked, "Like China and the European Union (EU), we also need a long-term and comprehensive blueprint to strengthen our industrial competitiveness," and added, "Now is the time to shift to an active and strategic industrial policy that can advance manufacturing and support technological innovation."
He continued, "With this awareness of the issues, I hope the forum becomes a venue that considers not only ways to support industrial development but also the restructuring of governance to back these efforts."
Deputy Speaker Joo said, "With so many committee chairs and members from both parties present, I hope that, recognizing that the economy is not just about individual companies but is the core driving force of national growth, we at least do not create conditions that are more disadvantageous than those of other countries."
Acting leader Park stated, "The Democratic Party will do its utmost to support a Korea that is a good place to do business and to promote the innovation essential for the future," and added, "We will listen closely to the keynote and presentations and do our best to rally the Democratic Party's capabilities in legislative activities." Floor leader Hwang and acting leader Chun also offered congratulatory messages.
Meanwhile, in his keynote speech, Chairman Choi argued that in order to enhance the competitiveness of Korean companies, policies such as a "mega sandbox" to ease industrial regulations in certain regions and a "social performance incentive" for companies addressing social issues are needed.
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