South Korea is stepping up efforts to strengthen cooperation in technology with advanced countries.

The Korea Industrial Technology Foundation opened its office in Washington Thursday to promote cooperation in developing joint technologies and boosting tech-related tie-ups with the United States.

The foundation said it would also seek active cooperation between the private sector and the South Korean and American governments in fostering next-generation industries as well as advances in science and engineering.

In particular, the technology foundation plans to pursue joint research and technology transfers by establishing ties with the U.S. Commerce Department and major American firms.