UAE Ambassador to Korea Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi gives a speech during a lecture event centered on the future economy and market dynamics at the ambassador's residence in Seoul, Tuesday. Korea Times photo by Kim Hyun-bin
The United Arab Emirates Embassy in Seoul, in collaboration with the Corea Image Communication Institute (CICI), organized a lecture centered on the future economy and market dynamics in light of declining birthrates and aging populations.
The event hosted dozens of dignitaries such as business CEOs and ambassadors from other nations, including German Ambassador Georg Schmidt and Greek Ambassador Ekaterini Loupas at the UAE ambassador's residence in Seoul, Tuesday.
"This special lecture will provide insight into current trends, sector related strategic investment toward the future economy and the capital market," UAE Ambassador to Korea Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi said ahead of the lecture. "It reflects our shared commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of economic trend and preparing for a future that benefits not only our respective nation but the global community at large."
The lecture was headed by Lee Kyung-su, executive managing director at Meritz Securities, who expressed optimism about the future of the market, despite prevailing economic concerns stressing its resilience and ability to weather challenges. Lee acknowledged concerns about potential downturns but dismissed the possibility of a recession.
Business CEOs and ambassadors pose after a lecture on the future economy and market dynamics at the UAE ambassador's residence in Seoul, Tuesday. Courtesy of Embassy of UAE in Seoul
Referring to the recent surge in interest rates, Lee reassured, "We have surpassed the era of uncertainty. We have reserved the capacity to respond."
He stressed the imperative need for technological preparedness in the face of imminent societal shifts, emphasizing the importance of understanding new developments including AI and robotics.
"This is about massification. Anyone can see that with this amount of data, rapid development is inevitable," he said. "The mobilization of smartphones was initiated by touch. Before that, PCs relied on Windows and mice. When products become easily accessible to everyone, massification occurs."
However, Lee addressed concerns regarding the displacement of labor, urging proactive measures to mitigate potential challenges.
"We must invest in industries that can replace the disappearing workforce. Otherwise, the rest becomes meaningless," he said. "We are witnessing a societal transformation that replaces labor forces so industries will continue to evolve cyclically."
Lee Kyung-su, executive managing director at Meritz Securities, gives a lecture on the future of the economy and market dynamics at the UAE ambassador's residence in Seoul, Tuesday. Korea Times photo by Kim Hyun-bin
He expressed concerns over the current state of the Korean stock market, stating, "The Korean stock market is in bad shape. ROE (return on equity) is low, and there is a lack of profitability."
He pointed out the stark contrast between the ROEs of Korean companies, which hover around 10 percent, and those of their American counterparts, which approach 20 percent.
"The idea of increasing debt is scary, but leveraging can help boost profitability," he said, advocating for companies to adopt more aggressive strategies, such as stock buybacks, to increase shareholder value.
Lee stressed the importance of addressing structural issues within Korean companies to drive sustainable growth in the stock market. He urged policymakers and businesses to work together to implement meaningful reforms that will unlock the market's full potential.