Washington:A senior White House official has emphasized the importance of shipbuilding cooperation with South Korea and Japan as part of efforts to revitalize the United States' shipbuilding industry and Navy.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Russell Vought, director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, discussed these priorities during a forum in Washington. He highlighted the need to reward companies that invest in the U.S. and mentioned "major investments" by South Korea's Hanwha Group in acquiring Philly Shipyard in Philadelphia.

Vought stated that the U.S. wants to learn from South Korea and Japan's shipbuilding practices and apply them domestically. He also called for opening federal contracting opportunities to more companies beyond those traditionally favored.

Furthermore, South Korea has committed $150 billion for shipbuilding cooperation with the U.S. as part of a larger $350 billion investment pledged under a trade agreement between the two nations.