STATEMENTS BY SENATORS

Senator CHISHOLM (Queensland—Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Assistant Minister for Resources and Deputy Manager of Government Business in the Senate) (13:44): Australia and Korea are comprehensive strategic partners in a rapidly shifting geopolitical environment. Our countries have longstanding people-to-people links that have enriched Australian culture for generations.

From Korean cuisine and film to the global phenomenon of K-pop, these cultural ties continue to strengthen the bonds between our people. When geopolitical uncertainty strikes, as it did with the shutdown in the Strait of Hormuz, it was trusted partners like Korea that came to Australia's aid to secure critical supply chains. As our partnership continues to evolve, there is much to gain from closer collaboration between our two countries.

Last week, I was pleased to represent the Albanese government alongside Senate colleagues Senator Wong and Senator Farrell at the Australia-Korea Business Council and Korea-Australia Business Council annual meeting in Adelaide. I want to acknowledge the AKBC Chair, the Hon. Martin Ferguson, as well as the KABC Chair, Dr Chang In-hwa, for facilitating such invaluable conversations with Australian and Korean businesses over the two-day meeting.

Of course, I would be remiss not to also mention the significant role of Dr Chang as POSCO chair and CEO. POSCO represents Australia's largest single export customer and is a significant investor in Australian resources. POSCO's partnerships with the Australian industry have been instrumental in securing new critical minerals opportunities in Australia, such as Pilbara lithium solutions and Arafura Rare Earths's Nolans Project as well.

These projects are important examples of what of our Albanese Labor government is seeking to achieve as part of our Future Made in Australia agenda. Attracting foreign investment and partners like POSCO is essential to realising these ambitions. Together, I'm confident that this partnership can continue to grow as we seek more of these opportunities and develop this relationship into the future.

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