1. The “Korea-LAC (Latin America and the Caribbean) Digital Cooperation Forum” co-hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Science and ICT kicked off on March 17, with high-level officials, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Science and ICT as well as ministers and vice ministers of five LAC countries, in attendance.

o The Forum held under the theme “Partnership towards Digital Innovation and Inclusiveness” is the first international event that seeks the globalization of the Korean New Deal and cooperation in the digital area in the post-COVID-19 era.

o From the LAC side, eight minister- and vice minister-level officials from five countries -- Costa Rica, Guatemala, Brazil, Colombia, and Honduras -- attend the Forum in person. In addition, eight high-level officials from seven countries -- Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, El Salvador, Chile, Colombia, and Argentina -- participate in the Forum through pre-recorded videos.

o Among the participants from the Korean side are officials and experts of government agencies, public organizations and relevant companies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Science and ICT, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the Korea Information Society Development Institute, the Institute for Information and Communications Technology Planning and Evaluation, the Korea Agency for Infrastructure Technology Advancement, the Korea Land and Geospatial Informatix Corporation (LX), and LG CNS.

o In strict compliance with the COVID-19 quarantine requirements, the number of in-person participants is limited to around 50, and other participants from Korea and LAC take part in the Forum online in real time.

2. In his opening remarks, Minister of Foreign Affairs Chung Eui-yong said that the Forum would be a starting point to come up with ways of mutually-beneficial cooperation by linking Korea’s Digital New Deal policy and LAC’s digital transformation policy. He also hoped to share with LAC countries the values of innovation and inclusiveness that the Korean government pursues.

o In addition, Foreign Minister Chung stated that Korea, together with LAC countries, will explore cooperation projects tailored to each country’s needs by sending public-private delegations in the e-government and ICT area, and that Korea will continue to work together to reduce the digital divide by sharing its experiences and exemplary cases in digital transformation.

3. In his welcoming remarks, Minister of Science and ICT Choi Kiyoung said that we are experiencing a new paradigm shift in the technological innovation of digital transformation, and that he finds it very meaningful to be able to share the Korean New Deal policy with LAC countries through the Forum at this point.

o In particular, Minister Choi stated that Korea is focusing on enhancing national competitiveness through a stronger D.N.A. ecosystem and an early establishment of online infrastructure in such key areas as education and SOC under the Digital New Deal, adding that Korea will reinforce solidarity with LAC countries through this Forum.

4. In his congratulatory remarks, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship of Costa Rica Rodolfo Solano mentioned that Korea is a global model and leader in the digitalization of economy and public services. He went on to say that Costa Rica hopes to follow the case of Korea by reducing the digital gap through various policies including establishing information and communications infrastructure.

o He also mentioned that discussing digital cooperation with Korea in this Forum would become an exceptional opportunity and cooperation including sharing good practices would be a win-win association for both sides.

5. In Session 1 on “Korea-LAC Cooperation on Digital Transformation for Building Back Better and Preparing for the Future,” the participants shared Korea’s Digital New Deal policy and the digital transformation policies of major LAC countries, including Costa Rica, Colombia, and Argentina, and shared the view that Korea would be the best partner for shared growth.

o In Session 2 on “Korea-LAC Cooperation on 5G Network,” the participants discussed 5G network plans and the current state of Colombia, Chile, and Peru as well as ways to cooperate with Korea.

o On March 18, the second day of the event, the participants will continue their discussions in Session 3 on “Korea-LAC Cooperation on Digital Government and Cyber Security” and Session 4 on “Korea-LAC Cooperation on Smart Cities and Smart Farms.”

6. As the Forum is the first multilateral international conference in the digital area to be hosted by the Korean government since its announcement of the comprehensive plan for the Korean New Deal Initiative, it was held through a “Team Korea” cooperation among different government agencies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Science and ICT, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

o In addition, the Forum is expected to contribute significantly to advancing post-COVID-19 Korea-LAC relations by meeting LAC countries’ requests for cooperation in the ICT and digital field, one of Korea’s strong areas, and resuming in-person diplomacy including bilateral meetings with ministers and vice ministers of LAC countries visiting Korea.

7. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Science and ICT will continue to support Korean companies’ bids to build presence in LAC by developing ways of cooperation in 5G, digital government, cyber security, and smart cities and smart farms that were discussed at this Forum into substantive projects.