South Korean and Brazilian business communities proposed measures to enhance collaboration in strategic areas like advanced manufacturing and key minerals during a bilateral business forum in Seoul. The Federation of Korean Industries (FKI) and the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency presented these proposals at the Korea-Brazil Business Forum, coinciding with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s visit to South Korea. FKI Chairman Ryu Jin highlighted Brazil’s strengths in resources, food, energy, and aerospace, emphasizing its importance in global supply chains.
The event aimed to shift the focus from trade-centered cooperation to a new phase of shared prosperity through investment and industrial partnerships between Korea and Brazil. Discussions at the forum included plans for expanding economic cooperation in lifestyle, agriculture, and advanced manufacturing. Additionally, there were talks about leveraging the popularity of Korean entertainment in South America and exploring opportunities to connect Brazil’s cosmetic raw materials with South Korea’s beauty industry.
Participants explored ways to combine Brazil’s resource advantages with Korea’s manufacturing expertise to expand collaboration from traditional to advanced industries. The two countries also delved into potential partnerships in artificial intelligence (AI) and strategic mineral sectors. Brazil, South Korea’s largest trading partner in South America since 1959, saw around 300 Brazilian business officials accompanying Lula on his first state visit to South Korea in 21 years.
