Korea and China sign MOU, agree to cooperate on technological standards for home networks

On May 30 in Qingdao, in the presence of Minister of Knowledge Economy Lee Youn Ho, the Korea Electronics Technology Institute (KETI) and the Chinese organization iTop-Home signed a memorandum of understanding regarding cooperation on technological standards for home networks. KETI operates under the auspices of the Korean Ministry of Knowledge Economy, while iTop-Home is affiliated with the Chinese Ministry of Information Industry and is responsible for setting and enforcing standards for home networks in China. Haier, the biggest home appliance company in China, is leading the standardization efforts there.

In response to ever-increasing global standards for home networks–a field that is taking off rapidly and is expected to grow at an unprecedented rate over the next few years–this MOU includes important provisions concerning the joint planning and implementation of programs to improve technological standards in Korea and China. It will thus serve as a strong foundation for increased bilateral cooperation on industrial technology between the two countries. The Ministry of Knowledge Economy predicts that China will benefit greatly from Korea’s experience in this promising field, and will build up its home network industry at an accelerated pace as a result of the MOU.

In his congratulatory speech, Minister Lee stated, “I hope this MOU will serve to vitalize cooperative efforts between our countries in the form of joint R&D projects, cooperation on technology standards, and exchanges among experts in the home network business.”