We are delighted to announce that the 46th KABC-AKBC Joint Meeting, held on 15-17 September 2024 in Seoul was a huge success. Thank you to everyone who attended and we hope you enjoyed your time at the event.
Thank you also to our event partners, ANZ, Arafura Rare Earths Limited, Corvus Technology Solutions, Export Finance Australia, Low Emission Technology Australia, Pilot Energy, PLS and the University of Queensland and our supporting partners, Austrade and AustCham Korea for their support of the event.
Eleven years since the signing of the Korea-Australia Free Trade Agreement (KAFTA), Korea remains Australia’s third largest export market and our fourth biggest two-way trading partner. As such, the Joint Meeting highlighted a commitment to not only strengthen Australia-Korea trade relations, but also to deepen collaboration and partnerships in key priority sectors such as energy decarbonisation, AI, critical minerals, rare earths, industrial safety and natural disaster management.
Throughout the Joint Meeting agenda, we were honoured by the participation of distinguished leaders, including Hon. Martin Ferguson AM, Chairman of AKBC; Dr In Hwa Chang, CEO of POSCO Holdings and Chairman of KABC; Se-Chul Oh, CEO of Samsung C&T; Hon. Madeline King MP, Minister for Resources and Minister for Northern Australia through a video message; Mr Jongwon Park, Deputy Minister for Trade, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE); H.E. Mr Jeff Robinson, Ambassador of Australia to the Republic of Korea; Professor Eui-hae Cecilia Chung, Professor at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy and Former Special Representative for the Indo-Pacific; and Mr Chang-beom Kim, Vice Chairman of FKI.
Their attendance underscores the significance of the Australia–Korea relationship at the highest levels of government and business, and reaffirms that Australia and Korea are like-minded partners with complementary economies.
At the meeting Chris Wood, Executive Director, Invest SA announced that the 47th AKBC-KABC Joint Meeting will be held in Adelaide next year. Korea is an important partner in the South Australian Government’s strategy to decarbonise, and to build energy and economic security. With world-class expertise and resources, South Australia is reinforcing its role as a key partner for Korea in driving sustainable growth and innovation.
The event concluded with the signing of the Joint Meeting Statement by the AKBC Chairman Hon Martin Ferguson AM and KABC Chairman In-Hwa Chang, marking the end of a successful day of collaboration and dialogue.
Read the AKBC Media release: https://www.akbc.com.au/news/akbc-media-release-150925
Read the annual Joint Meeting Statement: https://www.akbc.com.au/news/46th-kabc-akbc-annual-meeting-joint-statement
Joint Meeting agenda overview
The 46th KABC-AKBC Joint Meeting spanned three full days of inspiration and innovation.
The Joint Meeting started with the two roundtables, Australia-Korea Energy Transition and Decarbonisation Roundtable and the Bridging Energy Partnerships: Australia-Korea Gas Industry Dialogue. These sessions brought government and industry leaders together to exchange perspectives on advancing energy cooperation, strengthening gas partnerships, and deepening Australia’s investment ties with Korea.
The afternoon began with the Australian Delegation event, where delegates gained valuable insights into Korea’s current investment landscape, along with practical cultural guidance on engaging with Korean counterparts during the Joint Meeting such as how to exchange your business cards and learning how to say greetings in Korean. This was immediately followed by the Australia–Korea Women in “Lead-Her-Ship” event, fostering dialogue on leadership, diversity, and inclusion, and encouraging the next generation of women leaders to build stronger cross-cultural connections.
The second day started with site visits to Hyundai Motorstudio and LG Science Park, where delegates had the opportunity to explore Korea's leading innovation hubs. Following the site visit, the Welcome Dinner was held and the live music performance with a blend of Korean Traditional singing 'Pansori' and Opera. Over 200 people from both Korea and Australia attended the Welcome Dinner, providing both Korean and Australian guests a chance to connect with each other.
The Joint Meeting Conference on Wednesday was attended by 200 key stakeholders actively working in the Australia-Korea relationship and included targeted discussions on the opportunities in the following sectors: Energy, Critical Minerals Supply Chain, AI and startups, and Australia-Korea Partnerships.
Alongside the Joint Meeting, we hosted the Spouse and Partner Program. The program was a great success, offering participants the chance to experience Korea’s rich culture and traditions with tours to the DMZ and the Gwangjang Market and also day long programs focussed on traditional and modern Korea.
