“Korea Is an Innovation Leader”: Dinner Held to Mark 30 Years of OECD Membership

[Financial News] The Federation of Korean Industries said it held the “Dinner Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Korea’s OECD Membership” on the 3rd at The Grand Lotte Seoul in Jung District, Seoul.
The event was organized to mark the 30th anniversary of Korea’s accession to the OECD, celebrate achievements in economic development and cooperation, and expand exchanges between the OECD, the diplomatic corps in Korea, and the Korean business community. About 80 people attended, including senior OECD officials such as Deputy Secretary-General František Ružička and Economics Director Luiz de Mello, diplomatic representatives from 26 countries based in Korea, and the EU ambassador to Korea. Korea’s ambassador to the OECD, Baek Tae-ung (the 14th), joined former OECD ambassadors Kwon Tae-shin (the 6th), Lee Si-hyung (the 9th), Yoon Jong-won (the 10th), and Ahn Il-hwan (the 12th), adding significance to the occasion by reflecting on the 30-year journey of cooperation between Korea and the OECD.
Representing the business community were Cho Hyun-sang, vice chairman of HS Hyosung, as well as Hyundai Motor, LG, SK, Lotte, POSCO, and HD Hyundai.
In his congratulatory remarks, Deputy Secretary-General Ružička said, “Korea is already a global innovation leader,” adding, “I look forward to Korea contributing even more to the development of the global economy.”
Ambassador Baek said, “The Korean delegation plans to propose ‘Boosting the potential growth rate through AI and innovation’ as a key agenda item at next year’s OECD Ministerial Council Meeting,” adding, “The government and businesses should work together to improve productivity, nurture talent, and create new opportunities.”
Cho Hyun-sang, vice chairman who serves as Korea’s representative director on the Business and Industry Advisory Committee to the OECD (Business at OECD, BIAC), said, “The industrial sector is where the effects of trade rules and policies are felt first, so it is important to convey the views of industry.” He added, “I will share the experience and voices of Korean industry with the OECD and help bring the OECD’s policy achievements to businesses across Korea.”
BIAC is an independent nongovernmental organization established in 1962 and serves as the OECD’s official advisory body. It conveys the views of businesses and industry to OECD policy discussions and takes part in consultations on major policies. Forty-seven organizations from the OECD’s 38 member countries participate in it.
In his opening remarks, Kim Chang-beom, vice chairman of the Federation of Korean Industries, said, “To respond to global challenges such as the sweeping transformation brought by AI and protectionism, businesses have an important role to play in turning the international community’s solutions into investment, innovation, and jobs.” He added, “Over the next 30 years, we will share Korea’s experience with the world and become a key partner in strengthening global supply chains and driving shared prosperity.”
Meanwhile, Korea joined the OECD in 1996 as its 29th member.
[email protected] Park So-hyun Reporter