South Korean and Japanese business lobbies met on Jeju Island to discuss ways to enhance cooperation in artificial intelligence and semiconductors. The two sides addressed shared challenges like population decline. They issued a joint statement vowing to build stable investment environments and supply chains.
On December 8, 2025, the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) and the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) held their annual conference on South Korea's Jeju Island. SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, who heads the KCCI, stated, "With shuttle diplomacy revived between the two countries, the leaders of Korea and Japan have met five times, reaffirming that Seoul and Tokyo are important partners." He added, "Externally, we need to respond to the global business environment and competition in cutting-edge technology. Internally, we face major challenges such as low birth rates, an aging population and regional decline."
Chey suggested that "Korea and Japan can pursue joint purchases of energy resources or share medical systems to tackle low birth rates and the aging population in order to ease economic and social burdens." JCCI Chairman Ken Kobayashi echoed this, expressing hope that South Korea and Japan would build a cooperative relationship rather than one based on competition.
During the event, the two organizations issued a joint statement vowing to strengthen coordination in maintaining an open global economic system while working to establish stable investment environments and supply chains for the AI, semiconductor and energy industries. South Korean and Japanese businesses pledged to seek practical ways of cooperation with the private sector to address population decline, including sharing policy and research experience. They also agreed to expand economic, tourism and cultural exchanges in line with the rising number of flights between the two countries.
The conference aimed to sustain momentum in bilateral exchanges, reflecting recent high-level meetings that have improved ties.
