Prime Minister Kim Min-seok on the 30th warned of growing economic risks stemming from tensions in the Middle East and called on World-OKTA, a global association of overseas Korean business leaders, to support efforts to overcome the crisis.
Speaking at the 27th World Korean Business Convention held in Asia, Kim said, “The aftermath of the Middle East conflict is becoming increasingly severe,” adding that the government has activated an emergency economic response system and urging World-OKTA members to join forces.
“Over the past 45 years, World-OKTA has expanded Asia’s economic reach across the globe and has served as a reliable pillar whenever the economy faced challenges,” he said.
Kim also highlighted the evolving global status of the Korean economy. “Asia has now moved beyond being a follower to becoming a leader,” he said. “The ‘K’ in Korea no longer symbolizes catching up, but leading.”
He also referenced recent global discussions on artificial intelligence (AI), noting that “major countries are either seeking cooperation with or competing against Asia in the AI sector, a key area for the future.”
Kim added, “The event taking place here over the next four days is an economic festival that showcases the potential of ‘K,’” expressing hope that World-OKTA will take the lead on global agendas and drive further growth and advancement.