A leading US high-tech firm has called South Korea the world's leading IT powerhouse.

John Giere, chief marketing officer of Lucent Technologies, said Wednesday that the country is the recognized global leader in communications equipment and service development, and is one of the world's most dynamic IT markets.

At the opening of the 2005 Digital Forum in Seoul, he said he will consider sharing technology or building a joint research center with a local company.

On new IT industries including the portable Internet "WiBro" to launch commercial service in South Korea next year, Giere said local service providers are keen on product development and are supported by the top-notch technical environment.