Park discusses 'creative economy' vision with Facebook CEO

President Park Geun-hye met with Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg on day, he latest in a series of meetings with chiefs of global information technology giants aimed at seeking advice for her "creative economy" vision. Zuckerberg arrived Monday for a visit that reportedly also includes meetings with Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jay-yong to discuss ways to enhance cooperation between the world's largest social networking service firm and the world's biggest technology manufacturer. "Including myself, Cheong Wa Dae is using Facebook for communication with the people," Park said during the meeting. "It is pleasing to meet people via Facebook, but it is even more pleasing to meet (you) face to face like this." Park outlined her "creative economy" vision, saying it calls for creating new business opportunities, industries and jobs through the fusion of information and communication technology, culture and other realms. She said venture firms will play central roles in the policy.  Park said Facebook is well known for the "spirit of taking on challenges without fears of failure" and asked Zuckerberg for any advice on the roles of government in encouraging venture firms and helping them succeed. Zuckerberg said South Korea is already doing a good job and that he understands Park's "creative economy" strategy, and is willing to provide active support to build partnership with South Korea, according to presidential spokeswoman Kim Haing. He also said that Facebook plans to expand investment in South Korea, including doubling the size of its Korea office over the coming year, and strengthen cooperation with smaller businesses in the country, according to Kim. Park said she believes her vision is based on the "love for people" just like Facebook and other venture businesses are trying to make lives easier, more convenient and pleasant. Zuckerberg said he agrees with her point, according to Kim. Since taking office, Park had similar meetings with global IT giant leaders to seek their advice on the policy. In April, she had meetings with Microsoft founder Bill Gates and Google founder Larry Page. After the meeting with Park, Zuckerberg visited the headquarters of Samsung Group, the country's top conglomerate, in southern Seoul to hold a meeting with senior officials at the world's largest maker of smartphones and computer memory chips. Zuckerberg is presumed to have met with Samsung Electronics' mobile chief Shin Jong-kyun.  Both sides reportedly discussed business cooperation, but details were not revealed. Market watchers speculate that Zuckerberg and Samsung officials might have discussed cooperation for tablet PCs and smartphones as well as mobile operating systems, as Facebook is moving to work closely with some smartphone makers to roll out always-conneted Facebook devices.