President Park Geun-hye called Wednesday for close cooperation between South Korea and the United States in research and development and engineering as Seoul is seeking to open a new era of manufacturing.
  

South Korea views research and development and engineering as the key to bring innovation to manufacturing.
  

"The two countries can build up the technology and experiences that can lead manufacturing innovation" if they combine technology and excellent manpower, Park said in a Washington forum to promote a bilateral partnership in the high-tech industry.
  

Park also called for strengthened cooperation with the U.S. in space, new energy as well as health care and other high-tech areas.
  

"I hope that South Korea will actively participate in space development" by signing a deal with the U.S. on space cooperation, Park said.
  

Consultations are under way between the two sides over a space cooperation agreement.
  

More than 160 South Korean business leaders accompanied Park to explore business opportunities with their U.S. counterparts. Park arrived on Tuesday for summit talks with U.S. President Barack Obama later this week.
  

Cheong Wa Dae, South Korea's presidential office, said a first round of the business sessions was held in Washington earlier in the day to explore opportunities between South Korean and American companies. A second session is set to be held in New York on Thursday. (Yonhap)