This seminar was organized to discuss Korea's foreign economic policy direction in the context of the global transition era, where Korea's role  in multilateral forums such as the G20 is becoming increasingly important.

The event was attended by various experts and researchers, including Siwook Lee, President of KIEP, Inho Lee, Vice Chairman of the National Economic Advisory Council (NEAC), Sakong Il, Chairman Emeritus of the Institute for Global Economics, In-chang Song, G20 Ambassador for International Cooperation (G20 Sherpa), Sungjin Kang, President of the Korean International Economic Association (KIEA), Back Hoon Song, President of the Korea Association of Trade and Industry Studies (KATIS), Seoin Baek, Professor at Hanyang University, Hee Jib Kim, CEO of Ener idea, Changhwan Shin, Professor at Korea University, and Wonho Yeon, Head of KIEP's Economic Security Team. These experts and researchers discussed topics related to supply chains, advanced technology, energy security, and international trade.

Siwook Lee, President of the KIEP, said in his opening speech that against the backdrop of the U.S.-China strategic competition and the Russia-Ukraine war, major countries are engaging in trade based on values and trust, as well as pursuing industry-centered and technology-promotion policies.

He emphasized the importance of international cooperation based on the principles of freedom, peace, and prosperity to address emerging global challenges. He also stressed the potential for translating the results of the August Camp David Summit between the U.S., Japan, and South Korea concrete and sustainable policy directions.

Lee Inho, Vice Chairman of the NEAC, pointed out in his congratulatory speech that economic uncertainty is on the rise due to the sluggish global economic recovery, deteriorating business and consumer sentiment, and rising international oil prices, including in China. He also highlighted the escalating geopolitical tensions and economic bloc formation driven by the U.S.-China conflict, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the North Korean nuclear issue.

To address these complex global economic challenges, he proposed measures such as stabilizing domestic institutional frameworks related to supply chain stability, strengthening partnerships with foreign counterparts, securing strategic core technologies, and enhancing strategic international cooperation.

Sakong Il, Chairman Emeritus of the Institute for Global Economics, delivered a keynote speech on the theme of "World Economic Order Amidst Chaos and Korea's Choices." He diagnosed the long-term challenges and stagnation facing the global economy amidst the inevitable prolongation of the U.S.-China power competition, with the world economy facing long-term low growth and stagnation within the erosion of the liberal economic order.

He emphasized that only close international cooperation can overcome these challenges and stressed the need for South Korea to take an active leading role in international cooperation at the G20 summit, given its advantages in representation and efficiency.

The first session of the seminar focused on "Technological Power Competition and Global Common Issues" and was moderated by Chul Chung, Senior Vice President for External Affairs of KIEP, as the moderator. Speakers included Wonho Yeon, head of KIEP's Economic Security Team, Seoin Baek, professor at Hanyang University, and Hee Jib Kim, CEO of Eneridea, who presented on supply chains, technology competition, and energy security, respectively.

The second session was a panel discussion on "Korea's Foreign Economic Policy Direction: Achievements and Challenges." Lee Siwook, President of KIEP, moderated the panel, which In-chang Song, G20 Ambassador for International Cooperation (G20 Sherpa), Sungjin Kang, President of the Korean International Economic Association (KIEA), Back Hoon Song, President of the Korea Association of Trade and Industry Studies (KATIS), and Changhwan Shin, Professor at Korea University.

Participants at the seminar recognized that the event provided an opportunity to assess Korea's foreign economic policy direction in light of emerging global challenges such as technological competition, supply chain stability, and climate change responses. They emphasized that it is essential to address these issues effectively as international expectations and demands on Korea's role continue to grow.