WAM Talks 4.0 – Interview with Sung A Moon 

Introduction 

Title: Sung A Moon, Director, Busan-Jinhae Free Economic Zone Authority (BJFEZ) 

 
As the saying goes, “Logistics dominates Manufacturing.” Efficient supply chains are vital to maintaining a competitive edge in the manufacturing industry. 
 
As the Director of the Busan-Jinhae Free Economic Zone Authority (BJFEZ) in Korea, I lead one of the country’s most dynamic global business and logistics hubs. Strategically located in the center of Northeast Asia, BJFEZ aims to become “The Global Hub for International Business and Logistics.” We are dedicated to driving innovation across advanced manufacturing industries such as shipbuilding, automotive, mechatronics, green technology, and smart logistics. 
 
By combining Korea’s world-class industrial infrastructure with tailored investor support, BJFEZ offers a strategic platform for businesses seeking growth in the Asia-Pacific region. We are particularly focused on forming partnerships with emerging markets in the MENA region. Our strengths in port modernization, smart logistics, and environmental-friendly technologies align closely with shared development objectives. I look forward to deepening our collaboration with stakeholders in Saudi Arabia and Morocco to help drive sustainable industrial transformation. 

Market Overview & Trends 

Korea’s integrated industrial cluster model—exemplified by BJFEZ—resonates strongly with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals. Our extensive experience in developing smart cities, Free Economic Zones, Free Trade Zones, and logistics hubs provides proven frameworks applicable to NEOM and similar mega-projects. 
 
BJFEZ integrates green technologies, automated logistics systems, and innovation centers to support high-tech manufacturing. Korea’s collaborative model—uniting government, academia, and industry—offers valuable lessons for Saudi Arabia as it scales its advanced industrial ecosystems. 

Investment Insights 

Saudi Arabia’s emphasis on digital transformation and sustainability creates significant opportunities for Korean start-ups in areas such as AI-driven logistics and circular economy solutions. 
 
BJFEZ has nurtured enterprises focused on smart logistics, green mobility, and waste-to-resource innovations. Through joint ventures, technology transfer, and innovation hubs, Korean companies can contribute to Saudi Arabia’s growing demand for intelligent supply chains and future-ready industrial parks. The synergy between Saudi incentives and Korea’s agile tech ecosystem presents a powerful foundation for scalable, win-win partnerships. 

Future of Innovation & Industry 

Saudi SMEs can benefit from Korea’s cluster-based innovation approach to modernize traditional sectors such as petrochemicals. BJFEZ supports companies with government-led initiatives in AI integration, digital twins, and smart manufacturing. 
 
Korea’s strategies—such as R&D consortia, start-up collaborations, and AI training programs—could be effectively localized in the Kingdom. By establishing smart industrial parks and piloting AI-driven operations, Saudi companies can improve cost-efficiency and build a competitive edge in global markets. 

Challenges & Solutions 

Korea’s smart infrastructure projects thrive on strategic public-private partnerships. BJFEZ exemplifies this through collaborations between local governments and global firms to develop smart ports, Free Economic Zones, Free Trade Zones, and logistics hubs. 
 
Saudi Arabia can adopt similar models by offering long-term land leases, tax benefits, co-financing of infrastructure, and regulatory flexibility. Transparent governance, data-driven urban planning, and investor-centric policies can further enhance development efforts. With the right policy mix, Saudi Arabia can rapidly advance its innovation agenda and attract global industrial leaders. 

WAM Saudi 2025 

WAM Saudi 2025 is an exciting opportunity to foster collaboration in industrial innovation. Korea’s achievements in smart logistics and advanced manufacturing—especially within BJFEZ—are well-aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. 
 
We are ready to support Saudi Arabia’s transformation through expertise in port automation, AI-driven logistics, and sustainable industrial zones. Recent partnerships, such as those between HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Saudi Arabia in defense shipbuilding and large-scale shipyard development, underscore the growing industrial links between the two countries. 
 
These collaborations not only support self-reliance in defense but also reflect broader regional trends in smart manufacturing and technology transfer. BJFEZ is committed to serving as a strategic partner by providing advanced infrastructure, R&D incentives, and a business-friendly environment. By aligning with Saudi Arabia’s industrial ambitions, we aim to generate mutual growth in sectors including shipbuilding, defense, and AI logistics.