S. Korea, ADB discuss supply chain, AI, energy ties

Seoul, Sept. 14 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol met with ADB President Masato Kanda in the capital city to discuss expanding cooperation between the two nations in several areas, including supply chains for critical minerals, artificial intelligence (AI), and energy.

During the meeting, Koo expressed the hope that South Korea and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) could further strengthen their collaboration, particularly as the South Korea-Central Asia Summit approaches. Kanda, in turn, stated that the ADB is prepared to support the partnership between South Korea and Central Asia, with aspirations that this relationship will yield concrete investment projects.

The minister also signaled his support for the Center for AI Innovation and Development that the ADB is developing. He indicated that South Korea would be willing to contribute its technology and expertise to AI transformation projects in developing countries. Additionally, South Korea advocated for the ADB's assistance in establishing the Global AI Hub initiative.

Another topic of discussion was the potential application of South Korea's experience in power generation, transmission, and distribution to the ADB's energy-related projects in the region.