Ottawa: Presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik announced his efforts to ensure an "objective and fair" assessment of South Korea's submarine-building capabilities, as Seoul competes for a significant Canadian submarine contract.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Kang communicated this initiative via a message on his Facebook page while visiting Canada as President Lee Jae Myung's special envoy. The purpose of his visit is to bolster strategic economic ties in light of Seoul's ambition to secure a crucial contract to supply Ottawa with 12 naval submarines.

During a strategic meeting with Marc-Andre Blanchard, the chief of staff to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Kang discussed expanding energy partnerships and cooperation among middle powers. He emphasized the need for Canada's objective evaluation, citing the superior quality of South Korean submarines and the potential economic benefits derived from industrial collaboration.

Kang also addressed Canada's Senate, elaborating on the economic advantages of Seoul's proposal, which aims to extend industrial cooperation related to the submarine project. He urged Canadian parliamentary support for South Korea's bid, highlighting the potential positive impact on the Canadian economy.

In discussions with Industry Minister Melanie Joly, Kang underscored that the collaboration on submarines between South Korea and Canada could stimulate economic growth and generate approximately 430,000 jobs by 2044. Additionally, his meeting with Energy Minister Tim Hodgson focused on energy cooperation concerning crude oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports, and key minerals.

The South Korean consortium is in a competitive bid against Germany's Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems for the submarine contract, with the final decision anticipated in late June.