“Digital cooperation between Korea and Georgia is just beginning,” Hyon Du Kim, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Georgia, said in his speech during the Korea–Georgia Economic Cooperation Forum held on the 21st of October in Tbilisi, highlighting the growing partnership between the two countries in digital governance, artificial intelligence (AI) and financial technology.
“Let us share who we are, what we do, and, more importantly, what we can do together,” Ambassador Kim said, emphasizing the importance of exchanging knowledge, sharing experiences and identifying opportunities for closer cooperation.
In the public sector, Georgian Minister of Justice Paata Salia visited South Korea last month to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on digital government cooperation.
As a follow-up initiative, the two governments held an AI policy forum earlier this month. AI and Digital Government Cooperation Center is also set to launch, a three-year joint project worth $1 million.
The center will provide a platform for the two countries to exchange best practices, advance digital governance and promote innovation in public services.
“Through this forum, I hope that we can openly discuss fintech, increase our awareness of developments in both the public and private sectors, and envision the road ahead,” Ambassador Kim said.
Beyond government cooperation, Georgia and South Korea are also strengthening ties between their central banks through the Knowledge Partnership Program (KPP), which facilitates the exchange of expertise and experience.
Last year’s program focused on promoting cashless payments in Georgia, while this year’s initiative centers on open banking and open finance, themes that closely align with the focus of the current forum.
Ambassador Kim noted that the event builds on an ongoing series of exchanges between the two countries and offers an opportunity to expand cooperation in financial technology.
“Let us learn from each other, from our accomplishments and experiences. Let us also identify areas where we can support and complement one another,” said the Ambassador.
Mr. Kim concluded by stressing the importance of building lasting relationships between the two countries.
“Most of all, let us begin to build a partnership and friendship that is beneficial and enriching for all of us. If we can do that, I think we would have achieved much,” Ambassador Kim said.
