Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong said on the 12th (local time) that "Italy is a special country for Samsung." Ferrari Chairman John Elkann said, "Korea is a market that provides constant inspiration and a country that feels like home."
Kim Yong-beom, the presidential chief of staff for policy, said corporations from both countries shared this conversation at the Korea-Italy Business Roundtable held on the occasion of President Lee Jae-myung's state visit to Italy.
Lee said, "The Milan Furniture Fair and other events have been an amazing source of inspiration," adding, "Samsung's chief design officer is also from Italy." Lee went on to say, "If Italy, a powerhouse in science, and Korea, a country of technological innovation, join forces, it will be possible to expand cooperation across various high-tech industries."
LS Chairman Koo Ja-eun said, "We will work to produce tangible results in the power infrastructure sector with Italy, which holds importance as a 'Mediterranean hub' that connects North Africa and Europe."
Hyosung Chairman Cho Hyun-joon said, "We will expand cooperation in areas such as eco-friendly materials and energy infrastructure to contribute to the economic development of both countries."
Samyang Foods Chairman Kim Jung-soo mentioned joint research and development (R&D) to improve the taste and quality of noodle products in both countries, such as Korea's ramyeon and Italy's pasta.
Elkann said, "Beyond entering the traditional luxury car market, we hope to collaborate with Korea through joint research and development in electrification and digitalization." A presidential office official said Elkann and Lee have been friends for 27 years, and Lee once served as an outside director at Ferrari.
Executives including Chairman Giuseppe Bono of Fincantieri, Italy's defense and shipbuilding company, and CEO Simone Dominici of Kiko Milano, a color cosmetics company, said they hope to collaborate with Korea.
After the event, President Lee held an impromptu "post-meeting" with Korean businesspeople to express gratitude for their participation. Lee then asked, "For proposals that are difficult for individual ministries to handle, please submit them directly to the Presidential Policy Office."
The hotel that hosted the event even prepared a cake celebrating Korea's victory in its first match of the 2026 North and Central America World Cup.