S. Korean, French businesses vow ties in bio, carbon-free, technology sectors | Yonhap News Agency

## Summary
OK SEOUL, April 3 (Yonhap) -- South Korean and French businesses on Friday vowed to expand exchanges in emerging areas, including the bio, carbon-free and technology sectors, as the two countries celebrate the 140th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2026. Leading cmpanies of the two countries gathered in Seoul for the Korea-France Business Dialogue for Our Future, hosted by the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI), on the occasion of French President Emmanuel Macron's first visit to Asia's No. 4 economy since taking office in 2017. During the conference, South Korean and French business officials explored ways to expand cooperation in three major emerging industries, namely biotechnology, carbon-free energy and artificial intelligence (AI). "France is a key economic partner sharing the value of liberal democracy and has always stood with South Korea," FKI Chairman Ryu Jin said during the event. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung (R) and French President Emmanuel Macron make a joint press appearance following their talks at the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on April 3, 2026. (Yonhap) colin@yna.co.kr (END) Related Articles S.

## Article Content
Facebook
X
More
Pinterest
Linked in
Tumblr
Reddit
Facebook Messenger
Copy URL
URL is copied.
OK
SEOUL, April 3 (Yonhap) -- South Korean and French businesses on Friday vowed to expand exchanges in emerging areas, including the bio, carbon-free and technology sectors, as the two countries celebrate the 140th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2026.
Leading cmpanies of the two countries gathered in Seoul for the Korea-France Business Dialogue for Our Future, hosted by the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI), on the occasion of French President Emmanuel Macron's first visit to Asia's No. 4 economy since taking office in 2017.
Macron took part in the event co-hosted with the Movement of the Enterprises of France after holding a summit with President Lee Jae Myung earlier in the day.
Prime Minister Kim Min-seok and around 300 government and business officials from both countries attended the conference, according to the FKI.
Participants included leaders of South Korea's major conglomerates, including Samsung Group, SK Group, Hyundai Motor Group and LG Group. The French delegation included chief executive officers of Air Liquide, Sanofi and Quandela.
During the conference, South Korean and French business officials explored ways to expand cooperation in three major emerging industries, namely biotechnology, carbon-free energy and artificial intelligence (AI).
"France is a key economic partner sharing the value of liberal democracy and has always stood with South Korea," FKI Chairman Ryu Jin said during the event.
South Korean and French businesses signed 12 different memorandums of understanding during the event, including one between Kakao Healthcare Corp. and Sanofi on developing AI-based solutions.
Ahead of the forum, Macron took part in a tree-planting ceremony on the rooftop of the FKI headquarters in western Seoul, marking the 140th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung (R) and French President Emmanuel Macron make a joint press appearance following their talks at the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on April 3, 2026. (Yonhap)
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)
Related Articles
S. Korea, France vow closer cooperation in AI, quantum computing
(3rd LD) Lee says S. Korea, France agree to cooperate on safe passage through Strait of Hormuz
Keywords
#France
#Macron
#FKI
Articles with issue keywords
Most Liked
Oscar-winning 'KPop Demon Hunters' directors promise 'bigger,' more 'eventful' sequel
Paik Kun-woo, at 80, says 'Music chose me'
(LEAD) BTS scores 7th No. 1 album on Billboard 200 with 'Arirang'
Liberal ex-prime minister to declare mayoral bid in conservative stronghold
(URGENT) BTS earns 7th No. 1 song on the Billboard singles chart with 'Swim'
Most Saved
Oscar-winning 'KPop Demon Hunters' directors promise 'bigger,' more 'eventful' sequel
Paik Kun-woo, at 80, says 'Music chose me'
Liberal ex-prime minister to declare mayoral bid in conservative stronghold
(LEAD) S. Korea co-sponsors U.N. resolution on N.K. human rights
(LEAD) Trump calls on countries to 'go get your own oil' from Strait of Hormuz, or buy it from U.S.
Most Viewed
All Categories
(LEAD) Lee, Macron hold summit to discuss bilateral cooperation
(LEAD) Lee hosts dinner for France's Macron ahead of summit
(3rd LD) Lee says S. Korea, France agree to cooperate on safe passage through Strait of Hormuz
(LEAD) Lee reaffirms commitment to regain wartime command in meeting with U.S. lawmakers
BTS to drop 'Come Over,' exclusive new track on 'Arirang' LP
Most Viewed More
Most Viewed Photos
New school year begins in N. Korea
New school year begins in N. Korea
New school year begins in N. Korea
N.K. leader inspects service facilities at new housing area
prev
S. Korean, French businesses vow ties in bio, carbon-free, technology sectors
Next
S. Korean, French businesses vow ties in bio, carbon-free, technology sectors

---

## Expert Analysis

### Merits
N/A

### Areas for Consideration
- Korea, France agree to cooperate on safe passage through Strait of Hormuz Keywords #France #Macron #FKI Articles with issue keywords Most Liked Oscar-winning 'KPop Demon Hunters' directors promise 'bigger,' more 'eventful' sequel Paik Kun-woo, at 80, says 'Music chose me' (LEAD) BTS scores 7th No. 1 album on Billboard 200 with 'Arirang' Liberal ex-prime minister to declare mayoral bid in conservative stronghold (URGENT) BTS earns 7th No. 1 song on the Billboard singles chart with 'Swim' Most Saved Oscar-winning 'KPop Demon Hunters' directors promise 'bigger,' more 'eventful' sequel Paik Kun-woo, at 80, says 'Music chose me' Liberal ex-prime minister to declare mayoral bid in conservative stronghold (LEAD) S.

### Implications
- Leading cmpanies of the two countries gathered in Seoul for the Korea-France Business Dialogue for Our Future, hosted by the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI), on the occasion of French President Emmanuel Macron's first visit to Asia's No. 4 economy since taking office in 2017.
- Korea, France agree to cooperate on safe passage through Strait of Hormuz Keywords #France #Macron #FKI Articles with issue keywords Most Liked Oscar-winning 'KPop Demon Hunters' directors promise 'bigger,' more 'eventful' sequel Paik Kun-woo, at 80, says 'Music chose me' (LEAD) BTS scores 7th No. 1 album on Billboard 200 with 'Arirang' Liberal ex-prime minister to declare mayoral bid in conservative stronghold (URGENT) BTS earns 7th No. 1 song on the Billboard singles chart with 'Swim' Most Saved Oscar-winning 'KPop Demon Hunters' directors promise 'bigger,' more 'eventful' sequel Paik Kun-woo, at 80, says 'Music chose me' Liberal ex-prime minister to declare mayoral bid in conservative stronghold (LEAD) S.
- Korea co-sponsors U.N. resolution on N.K. human rights (LEAD) Trump calls on countries to 'go get your own oil' from Strait of Hormuz, or buy it from U.S.
- Most Viewed All Categories (LEAD) Lee, Macron hold summit to discuss bilateral cooperation (LEAD) Lee hosts dinner for France's Macron ahead of summit (3rd LD) Lee says S.

### Expert Commentary
This article covers korea, french, france topics. Areas of concern are also raised. Readability: Flesch-Kincaid grade 0.0. Word count: 603.