Ministry of Trade Industry and Resources

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) held the 22nd Korea–Hokuriku (Japan) Economic Exchange Conference in Daegu on October 23, 2026, jointly with the Chubu Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry under Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). The two sides discussed expanding cooperation in future industries, including advanced materials, AI, and robotics, by drawing on the manufacturing capabilities that regional industries in both countries have built over the years.

The conference brought together approximately 150 participants, including representatives from the national and local governments, economic organizations, companies, and research institutions of both countries. It was jointly organized by the Korea-Japan Economic Association, the Hokuriku Economic Federation, and the Around Japan Sea Economic Exchange Conference in Hokuriku (Hokuriku AJEC).

The Korea–Hokuriku (Japan) Economic Exchange Conference is a longstanding channel for economic cooperation between local governments and businesses in the two countries. Over the 26 years since 2000, excluding the COVID-19 pandemic period, the conference has facilitated cooperation in trade, investment, and industrial technology between four Korean regions—Daegu, Ulsan, Gangwon, and Gyeongbuk—and the three Hokuriku prefectures of Toyama, Ishikawa, and Fukui in Japan. Under the theme “Beyond Commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations: Taking Action,” this year’s conference focused on exploring concrete forms of cooperation in future industries, building on the trust and exchanges established over the years.

In advanced materials, participants discussed technological cooperation that brings together manufacturing and research capabilities in both countries. Gyeongbuk TechnoPark, Japan’s TSUDAKOMA Corp., and the Innovative Composite Materials Research & Development Center at Kanazawa Institute of Technology shared information on carbon fiber composite technologies and related research findings. They also explored ways to pursue joint research and technical exchanges.

On AI and robotics, discussions focused on applying these technologies in industrial settings and expanding their use. Tilon, a cloud software company, and iM Robotics Corp., a robotics automation solutions provider, presented examples of AI-based workplace innovation and smart factories using autonomous mobile robots, respectively. The companies discussed how AI and robotics can improve productivity on factory floors and explored new opportunities for cooperation with the Hokuriku region.

Participants also discussed ways to foster industries and support businesses for the sustained growth and economic revitalization of regions in both countries. Korea presented policies to develop the AI and robotics industries, help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) enter overseas markets, and address regional depopulation. Japan shared policies on industrial cluster development and well-being. The two sides explored approaches to growth that reflect each region’s industrial characteristics and strengths.

“Cooperation between Korean and Japanese local governments and regional businesses is important for bilateral economic ties to broaden and develop over the long term,” said Bae Jun-hyoung, Director General for International Trade Relations at MOTIR. “We will provide active support to help this conference bring together the strengths of regional industries in both countries and create new growth opportunities in future industries.”