요약 본문
Dong-gi Lee, Director-General for ASEAN at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, attended the 13th ASEAN Connectivity Forum on December 10, hosted by the ASEAN-Korea Centre and supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ASEAN-Korea Centre is an international organization established in Seoul to promote cooperation between Korea and ASEAN. The ASEAN Connectivity Forum has been held annually since 2013 to support ASEAN connectivity projects and Korean business advancement.
Lee evaluated that the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan 2026-2035, adopted at the ASEAN Summit in May, introduced new strategic sectors. He then introduced Korea’s contribution and plans in various connectivity areas. This plan includes sustainable infrastructure, digital innovation, smooth logistics and supply chains, regulatory excellence, human connectivity, and smart and sustainable urban development.
Korea has contributed to the construction and development of transport infrastructure in ASEAN countries and plans to strengthen cooperation in future strategic sectors such as aerospace, nuclear power, and power grids. Additionally, various projects have been carried out to support climate change response, and new cooperation projects in the fields of smart cities and smart mobility are planned.
Regarding digital transformation in ASEAN, Lee explained that five cooperation projects will support digital capabilities and bridging the digital divide through AI foundation building. He also discussed the prompt commencement of negotiations to improve the ASEAN-Korea FTA and the establishment of the ASEAN electronic customs system, and expansion of the vocational training (TEAM) project to enhance human connectivity. He reaffirmed Korea’s support for the Philippines as the ASEAN chair next year and emphasized continuous cooperation for connectivity and shared prosperity between Korea and ASEAN.