U.S.-ROK Technology and Geoeconomic Cooperation Forum


Amid intensifying trade and economic competition in the Indo-Pacific, leaders in the United States and the Republic of Korea (ROK) continue to emphasize the importance of bilateral efforts to strengthen the rules-based international order in the region. But with the November U.S. election and a new administration taking office next year, it remains unclear whether the efforts Presidents Biden and Yoon have taken to strengthen the bilateral trade and economic relationship will continue. Meanwhile, with the ROK hosting APEC 2025, it is well placed to continue advancing its leadership role in the region, a trend that has been demonstrated through President Yoon’s Global Pivotal State strategy.

NBR held an expert discussion of these issues in Washington, D.C., on November 20, 2024. The event featured a keynote address from U.S. Senior Official for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), Ambassador Matt Murray, as well as special remarks from Ki Tae Nam and a panel discussion on U.S.-ROK trade policies and strategies, the impact of the U.S. election on the region, and what these developments mean for the U.S.-ROK economic relationship.

Agenda


10:15 a.m. | WELCOME REMARKS

Michael Wills, President, The National Bureau of Asian Research


10:20 a.m. | KEYNOTE ADDRESS AND Q&A

Ambassador Matt Murray, U.S. Senior Official for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), U.S. Department of State


10:50 a.m. | SPECIAL REMARKS

Ki Tae Nam, Member, Presidential Advisory Council on Science and Technology; Professor, Seoul National University


11:00 a.m. | PANEL DISCUSSION

Moderator
Alison Szalwinski, Vice President of Research, The National Bureau of Asian Research

Speakers

Tami Overby, Senior Advisor, Albright Stonebridge Group; Board of Advisors, The National Bureau of Asian Research

Han-koo Yeo, Senior Fellow, Peterson Institute for International Economics; former Trade Minister of the Republic of Korea

Yul Sohn, President, East Asia Institute


12:00 p.m. | CLOSING REMARKS

Alison Szalwinski, Vice President of Research, The National Bureau of Asian Research