Envoy calls for expansion of Qatar-South Korea co-operation in ‘new horizons’

South Korean ambassador Lee Joon-ho has called for the expansion of economic co-operation between his country and Qatar amid diverse social, financial, and even environmental challenges worldwide.Speaking at the 2022 South Korea-Qatar Business Forum held in Doha yesterday, Lee said: “We are facing new challenges like worldwide inflation, energy and climate crisis, and the digital divide.“Under these circumstances, South Korea and Qatar need to expand the co-operation into a new horizon and establish a close partnership in various fields like digital technology, healthcare, smart-farm, renewable energy, and finance.”On enhancing co-operation in digital technology, Lee said South Korea has a world-renowned competitive edge in digital innovation industries like semi-conductor, batteries, and electric vehicles. He said: “Last September, the South Korean government unveiled its ‘Digital Strategy’ to increase its investment in R&D for artificial intelligence, 6G networks, quantum, metaverse, and cybersecurity. “We are expecting this strategy will cement South Korea’s leadership in digital infrastructure. Today, South Korean digital innovation companies of South Korea like SAMJUNG Solution, ONPOOM, and HURA are attending this forum. I hope that today’s forum provides great opportunities for the business people of South Korea and Qatar to find new co-operation projects in the digital field.”The ambassador also stressed that South Korea and Qatar can enhance cooperation in new sectors like smart farm and healthcare.Lee said many South Korean companies are well-equipped with state-of-the-art technologies and achieved great success in their smart farm projects. He ensured that South Korean companies can be capable and effective partners for Qatar’s future development in the smart farming sector.“Public health is also an important sector. Qatar has been investing to enhance its public health system, which is also one of the major goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030.“In this sense, the Korea Medical Centre which is planned to be open next year can be an important stepping stone towards the two countries’ further collaboration on the joint medical projects,” Lee stressed.Lee also emphasised the need to advance both countries’ co-operation in energy sectors like LNG and solar power. Recently, South Korean companies are joining Qatar’s mega LNG project like NFE EPC2 and LNG shipbuilding projects, he noted. “I believe that enhancing co-operation in the whole value chain process of LNG will benefit both countries. I am sure renewable energy is another prominent field where the two countries can expand their co-operation. “Qatar is working on the plan to generate 5 gigawatts of solar power by 2035, reducing its carbon footprint and achieving carbon neutrality. And South Korea is joining Qatar’s efforts to fight climate change and invest in renewable energy. Last August, a South Korean company’s winning of the contract to build 875 megawatts solar power plants showcases the close co-operation between the two countries,” he emphasised.Lee added: “The South Korean government is trying to host the 2030 Busan World Expo. Busan is the second largest city in South Korea and boasts abundant experience in hosting many global events like Asian Games. I believe Busan is an ideal place for the 2030 World Expo and I would like to ask for your attention and support for Busan’s candidacy to host the 2030 World Expo.”