INTERVIEW: Quebec sees South Korea as key trade partner in shifting global landscape

Quebec Minister of International Relations and La Francophonie Martine Biron speaks during an interview discussing trade ties, innovation, and cultural diplomacy between Quebec and South Korea on June 27. AJP Park Sae-jin

SEOUL, June 30 (AJP) - With global trade facing growing uncertainty, Quebec is strengthening ties with long-standing partners. For International Relations and La Francophonie Minister Martine Biron, South Korea stands out as a priority.

During a visit to Seoul on June 27, Biron said Quebec’s recent decision to expand its office in South Korea signals more than a simple administrative upgrade. It reflects a deeper commitment to building lasting ties across trade, technology, and diplomacy.

"Trade between Quebec and South Korea reached 3.8 billion Canadian dollars, and last year it rose by 11 percent," she said. "Given what’s happening geopolitically, we thought it was important to identify who our best friends are in the world. Upgrading our presence in Korea is a clear signal of that."

The United States remains Quebec’s main economic partner, but Biron acknowledged that ongoing trade tensions have made diversification more urgent.

"We’re not trying to cut out the United States, it’s our neighbor, but we do need to reduce our dependency," she said. "That’s why we’re investing in stronger relations elsewhere, especially in Asia."

South Korea, in her view, brings more than economic value. It also shares the kind of long-term outlook Quebec is looking for.

"Trade is a two-way street. It’s not just about taking, it’s also about giving. I feel there’s strong interest in Korea to expand this relationship."

The two regions already have strong foundations in key industries. Biron pointed to artificial intelligence, quantum science, semiconductors, and robotics as areas where collaboration is not only possible, but already underway. Montreal, home to the Mila Institute, has emerged as one of the world’s leading AI hubs, and its researchers are increasingly working with counterparts in South Korea.

Quebec Minister of International Relations and La Francophonie Martine Biron poses for a photograph during an interview discussing trade ties, innovation, and cultural diplomacy between Quebec and South Korea on June 27. AJP Park Sae-jin

"In AI, the link is already strong," she said. "Experts from Montreal and Seoul are eager to work together. The next two years will be critical in defining where AI is going globally, and I’m sure this collaboration will accelerate."

With South Korea’s new administration prioritizing AI as a national strategy, Quebec sees the timing as right. Biron noted that both societies understand the importance of building their own knowledge economies and protecting their identities in the process.

That sense of shared identity also shapes Quebec’s broader approach to international relations, which Biron said is grounded in both economic and cultural diplomacy.

"Everyone wants to do business, but you do business with people you know, people who share your values," she said. "Quebec and South Korea both have strong identities. We each have to protect our culture and language. That makes us natural partners."

Her visit to the UN Memorial Cemetery in Busan on June 26 underscored the emotional depth of that partnership. There, she paid tribute to the 22nd Regiment, a Francophone unit from Quebec that fought in the Korean War.

"It was extremely moving to honor the memory of Quebecers who gave their lives for Korea," she said. "The care taken with their graves, the blue ribbons tied to each one, it was profound. It shows how deeply Korea values that sacrifice."

She recalled that same spirit of solidarity when South Korea offered firefighting support during Quebec’s devastating wildfires last summer. "They called right away. That gesture meant a lot," she said.

Quebec opened its office in Seoul 34 years ago, and Biron believes the partnership is now entering a new phase, more strategic, more dynamic, and more necessary. "We’re working really well together," she said. "And it’s only going to grow from here."
Park Sae-jin & Kim Hee-su Reporter swatchsjp@ajunews.com

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