Over 30 Leading Korean and Canadian Figures Gather to Join Hands for Cooperation in Shipbuilding, Defense, and Energy

KEF Hosts 3rd Korea-Canada CEO Dialogue
Presidential Special Envoy Leads Delegation to Canada
Strategic Industry Cooperation Discussed, Including Submarines, Energy, and Critical Minerals

More than 30 prominent figures from the political and business sectors of South Korea and Canada gathered in one place to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in strategic industries between the two countries, including shipbuilding, defense, and energy. The event was organized as part of a visit to Canada by Chief Presidential Secretary Kang Hoonshik as a special envoy of the President, accompanied by Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jeonggwan.

The Korea Enterprises Federation (KEF) co-hosted the '3rd Korea-Canada CEO Dialogue' with the Business Council of Canada (BCC) on the 26th (local time). This was the second session of the 'Korea-Canada Industry Cooperation Forum' held at the Park Hyatt Hotel in Toronto, Canada.

Yonhap News

The event was attended by government officials and senior executives from both countries, including Chief Presidential Secretary Kang Hoonshik and Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jeonggwan, who visited Canada as special envoys, as well as Deputy Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development of Canada Philip Jennings and Ontario Minister of Economic Development Victor Fedeli. In addition, CEOs from 12 major Korean companies and 9 leading Canadian companies participated, sharing their perspectives on the outlook for economic cooperation between the two countries in advanced and strategic industries.

On the Korean side, key strategic companies leading global supply chains were present, including KEF Vice Chairman Kim Changbeom; Hyundai Motor Vice Chairman Jang Jaehun; Hanwha Vice Chairman Kim Dongkwan; Hanwha Ocean CEO Kim Heechul; Hanwha Systems President Son Jaeil; HD Hyundai Heavy Industries President Joo Wonho; POSCO Future M President Um Gicheon; Korea Zinc President Jeong Moogyeong; LIG Nex1 President Lee Hyunsoo; Ecopro Innovation President Kim Yuntae; KTE President Koo Bonseung; and Lee Hyukjae, Head of North America at LG Energy Solution.

On the Canadian side, participants included BCC CEO Goldy Hyder; Sun Life Financial CEO Kevin Strain; Roots CEO Meghan Roach; as well as CEOs from leading companies in each sector such as CAE (aerospace), Air Canada (aviation), Clean Grid Atlantic (energy), Candu Energy (nuclear), MDA Space (aerospace), and Hatch (consulting).

This event was significant in that it brought together government officials from both countries to reaffirm the importance of the economic security alliance and to build a strategic consensus for Korean companies' entry into the Canadian market.

In his opening remarks, KEF Executive Vice Chairman Kim Changbeom stated, "The global economy is entering a period of transition, with geopolitical risks becoming constant and supply chain restructuring accelerating, leading to a new industrial order." He emphasized, "South Korea and Canada must move beyond being simple trade partners to become strategic partners in industry, security, and supply chains." In particular, he identified defense, critical minerals, and energy as the three core pillars of the bilateral partnership, stressing that cooperation in these strategic sectors should elevate Korea-Canada economic cooperation from mere business to the level of security and alliance.

Co-host Goldy Hyder, CEO of BCC, said, "Recently, the partnership between our two countries has evolved beyond trade into a strategic economic partnership encompassing supply chains and advanced technologies. In an uncertain global economic environment, comprehensive cooperation between our countries across all industries is essential for survival and growth."