Like Goryeo's Byeokrando, Where Trade Never Ceased... Lee Calls for Korea-China Manufacturing Cooperation

President Lee Attends Korea-China Business Forum on the 5th
Over 600 Participants, Including 416 Korean Business Leaders
Lee References Goryeo-Era Trade Port 'Byeokrando'
"Trade Continued Despite Diplomatic Conflict"
Proposes 'Manufactur

President Lee Jae-myung, who is on a state visit to China, emphasized the importance of continued economic cooperation to business leaders from both countries on the 5th, stating, "Even during times of diplomatic tension and conflict, trade through Byeokran-do was never suspended." He went on to propose that Korea and China pursue manufacturing cooperation and active cultural exchanges.

President Lee made these remarks while attending the "Korea-China Business Forum" held at Zuoer University in Beijing, China, on the same day. This forum marked the first gathering of Korean and Chinese business leaders in nine years, organized on the occasion of President Lee's first state visit to China. The event was co-hosted by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, with a total of over 600 participants, including 416 delegates from 161 Korean companies and more than 200 Chinese business representatives.

"Even Amid Diplomatic Conflict, Goryeo's Byeokran-do Trade Was Never Suspended"

President Lee Jae-myung, who is on a state visit to China, is speaking at the Korea-China Business Forum held at Zuoer University in Beijing on the 5th. Photo by Yonhap News

President Lee noted, "Immediately after the establishment of diplomatic relations (between Korea and China), there were only eight exchanges between local governments of the two countries, but as of two years ago, approximately 700 sisterhood and friendship MOUs had been signed, leading to a significant increase in cultural exchanges and friendship activities. The scale of trade between the two countries also grew more than fortyfold, from 6.5 billion dollars at the time of diplomatic normalization to 272.9 billion dollars two years ago."

He further explained that the cooperative relationship between the two countries is "proven by history," referencing the port of Byeokran-do during the Goryeo Dynasty. President Lee said, "About 900 years ago, exchanges between Goryeo and the Song Dynasty were among the most active and stable cooperative relationships in East Asia. Byeokran-do in Goryeo was the center of international exchange, where maritime trade with the Song Dynasty was concentrated."

He continued by explaining that at that time, Goryeo exported paper and ink to the Song Dynasty through Byeokran-do, while the Song Dynasty sent books, ceramics, and tea. Various Song Dynasty texts were produced on paper made in Goryeo, and these texts were then brought back to Goryeo, supporting the development of domestic scholarship. President Lee's message was that Korea and China have complemented each other throughout history.

President Lee especially emphasized, "What is even more noteworthy is the fact that trade and exchange through Byeokran-do continued even during periods of diplomatic tension and conflict. Such sustained exchange played a crucial role in the stability and prosperity of East Asia, and furthermore, in maintaining peace and order." He added, "What we need to focus on once again today is precisely this spirit of Byeokran-do."

President Lee Proposes 'Manufacturing Cooperation' and 'Active Cultural Exchange'

President Lee Jae-myung, who is on a state visit to China, is heading to his seat after a commemorative photo at the Korea-China Business Forum held at Zuoer University in Beijing on the 5th. Photo by Yonhap News

President Lee called for private-sector exchanges and cooperation to achieve results as strategic partners, placing particular emphasis on "innovation and cooperation in manufacturing." He stated, "Korean and Chinese companies need to share successful cases while competing, refer to each other's policies and technologies, and jointly explore ways to cooperate. This will form an important foundation for finding practical solutions to structural challenges faced by the manufacturing industries of both countries, such as green and digital transformation and population aging."

As a second point, President Lee proposed "active cultural exchange." He noted, "Recently, visits between the younger generations of both countries have become more frequent, providing opportunities not only to expand tourism but also to experience each other's services and cultures more closely. This trend is opening up new possibilities for cooperation across all aspects of daily life services, including content, individual performances, and cultural platforms." He added, "As the governments of both countries have agreed to accelerate substantive progress in the Korea-China FTA service and investment negotiations, this will also provide meaningful momentum for inter-company cooperation."

President Lee concluded, "I hope that, based on the spirit of Byeokran-do inherited from history, we can set sail for the exchange of goods, people, and culture, and cross the winds and waves of the Yellow Sea together. As the saying goes, a good neighbor is more precious than ten million in gold. You are each other's neighbors, more precious than ten million in gold."

He finished his remarks by saying, "I sincerely hope that you do not seek such good friends far away, but, as President Xi said, find them here in Korea and China, inseparable neighbors who cannot move away from each other."

Opening Remarks by Chairman Chey Tae-won: "Dazhaohao, Hoping to Find Clues for Growth"

President Lee Jae-myung, who is on a state visit to China, is taking a commemorative photo with attendees including businesspeople from both Korea and China at the Korea-China Business Forum held on the 5th at Zuoer University in Beijing. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Meanwhile, the opening remarks at the event were delivered by Chey Tae-won, Chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Chairman Chey greeted the audience in Chinese, saying "Dazhaohao (大家好·Hello, everyone)," and began his speech by saying, "Seeing so many people here despite busy schedules at the beginning of the year shows how high the expectations of business leaders from both countries are." He stressed the significance of the event, saying, "The Korea-China relationship is at an important turning point of full restoration," and "This forum has been organized to seek cooperation plans that companies and citizens of both countries can truly feel."

Chairman Chey continued, "When discussing the direction of Korea-China relations, the expression 'Qiu Tong Cun Yi (求同存異·seeking common ground while reserving differences)' is often used," and added, "I hope this gathering will serve as an opportunity for leading businesspeople from both countries to find good clues for growth together, going beyond their differences."

In his congratulatory address, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng responded, "Korea and China must strengthen economic ties," adding, "The two countries should form cooperation in new areas such as AI, pharmaceuticals, and green industries, and work to improve the quality of economic and trade exchanges."