Why it matters: Global interest in Naver's technology-focused space, Building 1784, is growing with the recent visit of World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
The visit underscores the importance of digital technology in global trade and South Korea's role in digital transformation.
The Key Points
- Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first African and first female Director-General of the WTO, visited Building 1784 for her trip to South Korea. This is the first visit by a WTO Director-General to a South Korean internet platform company and the first to South Korea since 2014.
- During the tour, Okonjo-Iweala and her delegation examined various advanced technologies used by Naver, including AI, robotics, and digital twins. The visit highlighted the importance of digital technology in the context of trade.
- Naver's Building 1784, touted as the world's first robot-friendly building, is a technology integration space constantly evolving through the convergence of advanced technologies.
- More than 4,000 visitors from 54 countries, including high-ranking United States, Singapore, and Austrian officials, have visited Building 1784. A memorandum of understanding has also been signed with Saudi Arabia, which is currently undergoing a nationwide digital transformation, underscoring the building's global appeal.
The Big Picture: Naver's Building 1784 is a testament to South Korea's progress in digital technology, attracting global attention.
Okonjo-Iweala's visit, along with the wide range of international visitors and agreements such as the MOU with Saudi Arabia, underscores digital technology's critical role in global trade and future development.
In addition, the WTO's commitment to promoting digital trade and international cooperation highlights the importance of technological innovation in driving economic progress.
