The economic partnership between South Korea and France has entered a new era. On the occasion of French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Seoul, business leaders from both nations officially launched a comprehensive cooperation framework spanning Biotechnology, Decarbonization, and Deep Tech.
High-Level Business Diplomacy
President Macron, the first European leader to pay a state visit to South Korea under the current administration, was joined by a massive 200-member economic delegation, including CEOs from Air Liquide, Sanofi, BNP Paribas, Quandela, and Pasqal.
On the Korean side, the heads of major conglomerates—including Samsung Electronics Chairman Jay Y. Lee and Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung—held a private 30-minute meeting with President Macron at the FKI Tower in Yeouido on the afternoon of April 3. While the details remained confidential, industry insiders suggest discussions focused on concrete cooperation in semiconductors, hydrogen energy, and next-generation mobility.
Strategic Collaboration Across Three Pillars
The "3rd Korea-France Business Dialogue," co-hosted by the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI) and the Movement of the Enterprises of France (MEDEF), focused on three core sessions:
Biotechnology: Discussions centered on combining Korea’s world-class manufacturing and clinical trial capabilities with France’s robust research and capital strength.
Decarbonization: Executives from Hyundai Motor, POSCO Holdings, and Air Liquide detailed plans for joint hydrogen initiatives and carbon neutrality.
Deep Tech (AI & Quantum): Chaired by Clara Chappaz, the French Minister for AI and Digital Affairs, this session explored synergies between France’s foundational sciences and Korea’s industrial application expertise in quantum computing.
12 MOUs and a Growing Legacy
To mark the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations, a total of 12 Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) were signed. Key agreements include:
Kakao Healthcare & Sanofi: Development of AI-based health solutions.
GS Caltex & Veolia: Strategic partnership in energy and environmental services.
In a symbolic gesture, President Macron attended a tree-planting ceremony for the "Jardin Haneul" (Sky Garden) at the FKI Tower. This French-style garden is intended to inherit the legacy of "Paris Park," which was built to commemorate the centennial of bilateral ties.
Leadership Perspectives
"We will carry forward our 140-year friendship into a partnership that leads future industries," said Ryu Jin, Chairman of the FKI, while calling for active governmental support.
Prime Minister Kim Min-seok added, "Our collaboration, which began in key industries like nuclear power, aviation, and railways, is now expanding into a high-tech and innovation-driven partnership."
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