South Korea and the United States are set to sign a deal on October 29 to enhance cooperation in AI and advanced technologies during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. The agreement accompanies a meeting between the two presidents and focuses on strengthening AI export controls and easing data regulations. It aims to foster comprehensive collaboration in science and technology for future prosperity.
During the APEC 2025 summit in Gyeongju, South Korea and the United States will sign the 'Technology Prosperity Deal' on October 29 (Wednesday). The agreement will be inked by South Korea's Science and ICT Minister Bae Kyung-hoon and U.S. White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Michael Kratsios, expanding 'omnidirectional' cooperation in advanced fields like AI, quantum computing, 6G, biotechnology, pharmaceutical supply chains, and space exploration.
According to a Bloomberg report, the deal emphasizes strengthening export controls for AI and reducing regulatory burdens for companies to store and use data across geographic locations. The two countries will accelerate AI utilization and innovation for various industries, jointly develop policy frameworks, and establish a shared AI ecosystem in Asia and other regions. They will also collaborate on exporting reliable AI technology and promoting safe AI-driven innovation.
"The Trump administration is redefining American technological leadership by driving bilateral collaborative partnerships with allies like Korea," Kratsios said in a statement. Minister Bae described the memorandum as "a symbol of cooperation for the prosperity of future generations, just as its title suggests," and expressed hopes to expand science sector exchanges building on prior agreements, including South Korea's partnership with OpenAI.
The deal follows similar U.S. technology pacts with Japan and Britain and is linked to a meeting between South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump. Earlier this month, President Lee met OpenAI CEO Sam Altman to discuss expanding AI partnerships. Amid the rising importance of emerging technologies like AI, quantum, and synthetic biology, this accord symbolizes strengthened bilateral ties.