[CONTRIBUTION] Powering next chapter of Korea-Germany cooperation

For business leaders today, a range of issues are keeping their attention, from soaring energy costs and geopolitical risks to supply chain disruptions and the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence. Skilled labor shortages and determining future investment priorities are also on the radar. Korea and Germany, though geographically distant, share many common challenges in their economies.

Both are primarily built on manufacturing, exports, technology, and interconnected global supply chains. This shared foundation underscores the significance of their partnership, especially in today's challenging times. Recent figures illustrate the strength of Korea's economy. In the past eight months of the current year alone, exports have reached an impressive $709.4 billion, surpassing the record set for the entire year of 2025.

This surge in exports is largely fueled by strong global demand for semiconductors and AI infrastructure. Germany, too, is displaying signs of growth, despite facing obstacles such as high energy costs, global competition, and the urgent need to boost investment and innovation. Therefore, Korea and Germany are not merely two exporting nations encountering similar pressures; they are two industrial powerhouses navigating comparable challenges and seeking opportunities for collaboration.