Dear Subscriber,
I'm delighted to announce that the 45th AKBC-KABC Joint Meeting, held on 1-3 September 2024 in Perth was a huge success. Thank you to everyone who attended and we hope you enjoyed your time at the event.
Thank you also to the event partners, Government of Western Australia, Business Events Perth, Arafura Rare Earths, Woodside Energy, A&O Shearman, Santos, EcoGraf, Pilot Energy, Roy Hill, Gilbert + Tobin, Progressive Green Solutions, Australian Strategic Materials and InterContinental Energy for their support of the event.
Celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the Korea-Australia Free Trade Agreement (KAFTA), the Joint Meeting in Perth highlighted a commitment to not only strengthen Australia-Korea trade relations, but also to deepen collaboration in future-oriented sectors such as artificial intelligence, startups and carbon neutrality. Discussions facilitated by key members of the Australia-Korea Business Council and Federation of Korean Industries, focussed on strategic partnerships in critical minerals, defence and green energy transition initiatives, including discussions on developing IRA-compliant supply chains for secondary battery materials, initiatives to enhance ESG credentials and Korea's growing involvement in Australia's defence sector, and the opportunities stemming from enhanced defence and securities ties between our two nations.
The attendance at the Joint Meeting by prominent figures including Hon Roger Cook MLA, Premier of Western Australia, H.E. Mr Jeff Robinson, Ambassador of Australia to Korea, H.E. Admiral (Retd) Seung-seob Sim, Ambassador of Republic of Korea to Australia, Hon Don Farrell, the Special Minister of State and the Minister for Trade and Tourism, Hon Madeleine King MP, Minister for Resources and Minister for Northern Australia and In-Kyo Cheong, Minister for Trade in Korea underscores the importance of the Australia-Korea relationship to both governments and the recognition that Australia and Korea are like-minded partners with complementary economies.
With agreement to hold the 46th KABC-AKBC Joint Meeting in Korea next year, the recent meeting in Perth has successfully set the stage for ongoing dialogue, continued cooperation and enhanced strategic ties. This aligns with both countries' dedication to shaping a future that leverages strengths in technology, green energy and security and reinforces the significance of the KAFTA and extending its benefits into the next decade.
The event concluded with the signing of the Joint Meeting Statement by AKBC Chairman Hon Martin Ferguson AM and KABC Chairman In-Hwa Chang, marking the end of a successful day of collaboration and dialogue.
