Gyeongju: HD Hyundai Co., South Korea's leading shipbuilding conglomerate, is committed to play a key role in the Seoul-Washington partnership aimed at revitalizing the U.S. naval and commercial shipbuilding industries, its chairman said Monday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Chairman Chung Ki-sun expressed the company's intentions to actively participate in the U.S.' new maritime vision and policies during a keynote speech at the Future Tech Forum in Gyeongju. The initiatives include the construction of a next-generation fleet led by the U.S. Navy and the rebuilding of shipyards. The forum was part of an official business event of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit held in South Korea.

His remarks highlighted the Korea-U.S. cooperation in shipbuilding, represented by the slogan "Make American Shipbuilding Great Again" (MASGA). This appearance marked Chung's first official engagement as HD Hyundai chairman after his promotion from senior vice chairman on October 17.

HD Hyundai is currently considering plans to enter the U.S. market, which may involve equity participation and possible acquisitions of local shipyards. As part of efforts to enhance bilateral cooperation in shipbuilding, the company signed a strategic partnership agreement in April with Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), the largest defense shipbuilder in the United States, to collaborate on technology and jointly build naval vessels.

Chung emphasized the company's readiness to contribute to America's new maritime renaissance, stating, "We are ready to join the journey of innovation as a steadfast partner in ushering in America's new maritime renaissance era." He further affirmed their aim to advance together for the security and development of both nations.