Minister Lee Young Leaving Japan: "Korea-US-Japan 3-Nation Bio Cluster Will Collaborate"

Visit to Japan... Laying the Foundation for Technology Exchange
"Establishing a Korea-Japan Startup Collaboration Model"
Active Overseas Expansion Ahead of 1st Anniversary in Office

Lee Young, Minister of SMEs and Startups, is speaking at a meeting on plans to create a global innovation zone held on the 8th at the Korea Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul. [Photo by Yonhap News]

Lee Young, Minister of SMEs and Startups, announced plans to link the bio clusters of South Korea, the United States, and Japan to initiate triangular cooperation. The three countries aim to join forces to lead future new industry technologies.

Minister Lee will visit Japan on a 2-day trip starting on the 11th. In an interview with Asia Economy at Tipstown in Yeoksam-dong, Seoul, the day before, he stated, "We will connect Japan to the bio clusters in Songdo, South Korea, and Boston, USA." He added, "Japan has long operated bio demonstration bases, and by linking the bio and health sectors of the three countries, we will lead future new industry technologies." Minister Lee has been exploring economic cooperation measures with Japan since the Korea-Japan summit and plans to strengthen bilateral relations for new technology exchanges through this visit.

He will also attempt to establish a collaborative model for the Korea-Japan startup ecosystem. In August last year, Japan established the position of 'Minister in charge of Startups,' which serves as the command center for startup cultivation and support policies. Minister Lee has a meeting scheduled with the Minister in charge of Startups on the 12th. He said, "Japan, like us, feels the limitations of economic growth centered on large corporations, and we will try to create a collaborative model between Korea and Japan." Additionally, Minister Lee will participate in a small and medium-sized enterprise promotional event linked to the K-pop concert KCON held in Japan to encourage businesspeople.

Lee Young, Minister of SMEs and Startups, is delivering a greeting at the 'Supergrid Startup 1000+ Project' event held on the 10th at TIPS in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Photo by Dongju Yoon doso7@

He will also attend 'Viva Technology,' the largest startup event in Europe, held next month in Paris, France. Viva Technology has selected Korea as the 'Country of the Year.' Minister Lee said, "Following India last year, Korea was chosen as a representative country to establish a partnership with Viva Technology," adding, "As the brand status of K-startups rises, it is time to enter the European market."

Approaching his first anniversary in office, Minister Lee plans to revisit the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia. He will review the operation status of the Global Business Center (GBC) opened in Dubai and assess the foundations for companies' local market entry, including legal, marketing, and financing aspects. He is also targeting Middle Eastern oil money to expand global funds. Minister Lee pledged, "Once I bite, I will chew and swallow until it becomes nourishment, and I will not let go until the end," emphasizing, "I will not just hold event-type activities but produce tangible results."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.