Kim Jeong-Kag, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, stated regarding South Korea's plan to invest 200 billion dollars in the United States over the next ten years, "We will do our utmost to focus on areas where both South Korea and the United States can benefit mutually, allowing our companies to secure competitiveness, expand markets, and create new opportunities."
Appearing on the YouTube channel 'Sampyo TV' on December 6, Minister Kim said, "Not a single cent of the 200 billion dollars will be spent carelessly," emphasizing his commitment.
When asked about the progress of individual investment projects with the United States, Minister Kim responded, "There are sectors where the United States and South Korea share common interests. For example, in the case of nuclear power plants, the United States wants to build many, but there are few companies in the US capable of constructing or manufacturing nuclear facilities, so there is significant potential for Korean companies to participate."
He continued, "In the field of critical minerals, both South Korea and the United States are facing major supply chain issues, and there are companies in South Korea capable of refining and processing these minerals. In addition, when it comes to artificial intelligence (AI), there are areas where South Korea needs American technology, and areas where the United States needs South Korea's manufacturing capabilities. By finding these points of convergence, Korean companies can play a proactive role."
Regarding industries facing structural crises, he said, "Recently, I have been an advocate for M.AX (ManufacturingAX)," explaining, "It means maximizing the AI transformation of our manufacturing sector and ensuring that AX is evenly applied across all manufacturing industries." M.AX, which stands for ManufacturingAX, refers to integrating AI throughout the production process to build automated systems that learn and make decisions based on data, thereby boosting productivity.
Minister Kim stated, "If the structure is already set, it is difficult to change the existing order, but with AX, the landscape of all industries is changing. Because the landscape is changing, I believe we have an opportunity to make a leap forward."
He added, "I do not wish to speak grandly about industrial policy. My mission is to achieve M.AX, as I believe that when we do so, industries, companies, jobs, and incomes will all improve. Although there are many requests, I may not have the capacity to fulfill them all, but I am determined to accomplish M.AX."
On the issue of industrial accidents, he said, "There are areas of responsibility that companies, the government, and workers must each uphold. Only when all three work together can the right environment be established."
He further explained, "For companies, the issues are investment in safety devices, securing safety equipment, and labor supervision. The government has the responsibility to punish negligence, carelessness, or intentional wrongdoing by companies. Workers, for their part, have both the right and the duty to protect their own lives."
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