KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Semiconductor Collaboration: The Netherlands and South Korea deepen cooperation in semiconductor chips, forming a strategic partnership for mutual benefit.
- Nuclear Power Expansion: South Korean firm KHNP signs a contract for a feasibility study on constructing two new nuclear power plants in the Dutch town of Borselle.
- Global Collaboration in Energy: The Netherlands emphasizes the role of nuclear energy in achieving a CO2-free system, with additional feasibility studies by U.S. and French companies.
- Diverse Technology Partnership: Both nations extend collaboration beyond semiconductors, aiming to boost ties in digital technologies like AI, mobile communications, and quantum research.
- Strategic State Visit: South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s visit strengthens ties with the Netherlands, following recent agreements with the United Kingdom on trade and defense.
- ASML Connection: President Yoon’s visit includes a stop at ASML, a semiconductor chip machine maker, highlighting the significance of the semiconductor industry in their partnership.
Netherlands-South Korea Semiconductor Partnership
The Netherlands and South Korea are strengthening their collaboration in the semiconductor chip sector as part of a growing “strategic partnership,” announced Prime Minister Mark Rutte on Wednesday following a meeting with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol during his two-day state visit. The discussions took place after Yoon’s visit to the headquarters of ASML, a semiconductor chip machine manufacturer.
Rutte expressed optimism about the initiative, highlighting its potential as a “win-win situation” for both countries. The deepening cooperation involves a commitment to advance joint efforts in the semiconductor industry.
The formation of the “chip alliance” between the two nations has started materializing as South Korea’s technology giant Samsung Electronics and the Netherlands’ AMSL signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU). The MOU pledges a collaborative investment of US$760 million (1 trillion won) to establish a state-of-the-art semiconductor manufacturing technology Research and Development (R&D) center in South Korea, revealed Park Chun-sup, the Chief Economic Secretary of South Korea, on Tuesday.
Expanding Horizons: Nuclear Power and Climate Collaboration
As a significant outcome of the visit, South Korean nuclear power company KHNP inked a contract to conduct a feasibility study for the construction of two new nuclear power plants in the Dutch town of Borselle. The southern town, situated near the border with Belgium and the North Sea coast, currently hosts the Netherlands’ sole nuclear power station. Notably, the Dutch government announced that U.S. company Westinghouse and France’s EDF are poised to sign similar contracts.
Dutch Climate and Energy Minister Rob Jetten emphasized the role of nuclear energy in transitioning to a carbon-neutral energy system, stating, “Nuclear energy helps us on our way to a CO2-free energy system.” He further explained that preparations for the construction of the two new nuclear power stations are underway, with the eligible parties conducting technical feasibility studies in the coming year.
In addition to the focus on semiconductor technology and nuclear energy, the Netherlands and South Korea have agreed to enhance collaboration in digital technologies. This includes areas such as artificial intelligence, mobile communications, and quantum research, as outlined by Economic Affairs and Climate Minister Micky Adriaansens in a statement.
President Yoon’s visit follows his recent commitment to strengthen trade and defense ties with the United Kingdom less than a month ago, showcasing South Korea’s efforts to broaden its international partnerships.
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Source(s): AP News; Radio Free Asia
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