President Lee: “Goal of Improving the Korea-ASEAN FTA Is to Reflect Future-Oriented Trade Rules”

[Financial News] President Lee Jae Myung, who is departing for the Philippines to attend the ASEAN summit, said on the 16th that the goal of talks to improve the free trade agreement (FTA) between South Korea and ASEAN is to “reflect future-oriented trade rules in the agreement.”
In an interview with Philippine media outlet The Philippine Star released that day, President Lee said the negotiations aim to “reflect future-oriented trade rules in the agreement,” and made the same point.
He also said he would support the smooth implementation of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) to bolster digital economic integration, and share South Korea’s technology and experience in artificial intelligence and the cultural and creative industries.
President Lee said, “ASEAN is South Korea’s second-largest trade and investment partner,” and that “we are supporting regional economic integration for ASEAN’s future growth and innovation.” He also said, “Thanks to ASEAN, South Korea’s potential has expanded and its exchanges with the world have increased.”
President Lee also cited stronger investigative cooperation between the Korean National Police Agency and ASEANAPOL as a key example of cooperation between South Korea and ASEAN. He said, “This cooperation is part of efforts to respond to transnational crimes such as online scams,” adding that “in the medium to long term, it could develop into a forum for security cooperation that also involves other ASEAN dialogue partners.”
Cooperation between the two countries in defense, security and culture is also expected to feature prominently during President Lee’s visit to the Philippines.
President Lee also emphasized his vision of broadening cooperation beyond infrastructure and manufacturing. He said, “Bridges built by South Korean companies link the islands of the Philippines, and ships built by South Korean companies at the Subic shipyard will ply the oceans and become bridges connecting the Philippines with the world.”
He added, “Cooperation between the two countries does not stop here; we are expanding it into new fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), space, nuclear power and critical minerals.”
Regarding the defense industry, President Lee noted that the Philippines’ unique security environment, which requires it to defend its vast maritime and island territories, is an important foundation shaping demand for and the direction of development in the defense industry. He stressed that “cooperation can be expanded beyond the simple supply of weapons systems to include technological cooperation, joint production, maintenance and repair, and training specialized personnel.”
President Lee also proposed co-producing cultural content, promoting people-to-people exchanges and expanding cooperation among creators as ways to strengthen ties between the two countries. He also pledged to bolster people-to-people and cultural exchanges, including by simplifying visa procedures for Filipino group tourists.

[email protected] Seong Seok-woo Reporter