Ministry of Trade Industry and Resources

Panel Discussion at the 19th Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business (APK)

Minister JK (Jung-Kwan) Kim of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) participated in a panel discussion at the 19th Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business (APK) in Seoul on October 30, 2026. The discussion addressed how changes in the global economic order affect economic relations between Germany and the Indo-Pacific region and explored ways to expand industrial cooperation. Approximately 500 leading figures from Korea and Germany attended, including Stefan Rouenhoff, Parliamentary State Secretary at Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, and Roland Busch, President and Chief Executive Officer of Siemens AG and Chairman of the Asia-Pacific Committee of German Business (APA). At the conference, Minister Kim emphasized that Korea and Germany are key partners that must respond together to changes in the global economic order. date2026-10-30

Korea and Germany Strengthen Cooperation on Economic Security and Advanced Industries

Minister JK (Jung-Kwan) Kim of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) attended the 19th Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business (Asien-Pazifik-Konferenz, APK) in Seoul on October 30, 2026. He outlined ways to strengthen industrial cooperation among Korea, Germany, and the Asia-Pacific region in response to changes in the global economic order. He then signed a Joint Declaration of Intent on a Framework for an Economic and High-Tech Partnership between Korea and Germany with Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. He also supported the signing of nine memoranda of understanding (MOUs) between Korean and German companies and institutions. That evening, MOTIR hosted Korea Night for approximately 600 business leaders from Korea, Germany, and the Asia-Pacific region to promote private-sector exchanges and expand economic cooperation. The APK is the German business community’s flagship event for cooperation with the Asia-Pacific region and was held in Seoul in 2026 in commemoration of its 40th anniversary. The conference was held in conjunction with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit to Korea, providing an opportunity to expand bilateral economic cooperation and explore new avenues for collaboration amid changes in the global trading environment. 1. APK Panel Discussion On the morning of October 30, Minister Kim participated in a panel discussion on how changes in the global economic order affect economic relations between Germany and the Indo-Pacific region. Other leading figures who participated in the discussion included Stefan Rouenhoff, Parliamentary State Secretary at Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, and Roland Busch, President and Chief Executive Officer of Siemens AG and Chairman of the Asia-Pacific Committee of German Business (APA). Participants discussed shifts in the global economic order and ways to expand industrial cooperation.  Minister Kim noted that Korea and Germany, both heavily reliant on manufacturing and exports, face common challenges amid growing uncertainty in global supply chains. He attributed this uncertainty to intensifying U.S.-China strategic competition, rising protectionism, and the increasing treatment of critical minerals as strategic assets. To stabilize supply chains and enhance economic security, he therefore emphasized the need to expand cooperation with the Asia-Pacific region, which has resources and growth potential, and strengthen solidarity among trusted partners. In particular, Minister Kim highlighted the complementary strengths of Korean and German industries. He proposed expanding joint research and development and technological cooperation by combining Korea’s advanced manufacturing capabilities in sectors such as semiconductors and batteries with Germany’s expertise in precision machinery and industrial automation. This cooperation would cover strategic sectors such as AI for manufacturing, semiconductors, and critical minerals. Specifically, he introduced Korea’s Manufacturing AI Transformation (M.AX) policy and its experience conducting demonstrations in industrial settings, and outlined opportunities for bilateral cooperation in the use of industrial data and AI for manufacturing. 2. MOU Signing Ceremony MOTIR then signed the Joint Declaration of Intent on a Framework for an Economic and High-Tech Partnership between Korea and Germany with Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. The declaration is significant in that it establishes a comprehensive framework for expanding bilateral economic cooperation, which has centered on trade and investment, to include strategic areas such as economic security, supply chains, and advanced industries. Specifically, the two countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in the following areas: information sharing and early warning for critical mineral supply chains; r date2026-10-30

Korea and Indonesia Hold Second CEPA Joint Committee Meeting

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) held the second meeting of the Joint Committee under the Korea–Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in Seoul on October 28, 2026. The Korean delegation was led by Park Keun-oh, Director General for Trade Agreement Policy at MOTIR, and the Indonesian delegation by Johni Martha, Director General of International Trade Negotiations at Indonesia’s Ministry of Trade. The Korea–Indonesia CEPA entered into force in 2023 and is now in its fourth year of implementation. The Joint Committee first met in December 2023. This meeting, the first in three years, followed up on an agreement reached in the joint statement issued at the bilateral summit in April 2026. In the statement, the two countries agreed to hold regular Joint Committee meetings to ensure effective implementation of the CEPA and encourage businesses to make greater use of it. The two sides discussed key issues in implementing the CEPA, including progress in reviewing import approvals for Indonesian poultry meat products and Korean dairy products. They also reviewed progress in implementing the electronic system for exchanging certificates of origin and explored ways to cooperate to encourage businesses to make greater use of the agreement. Both sides agreed to maintain communication and cooperation on implementation and promote greater use of the CEPA to further develop bilateral trade and economic ties. date2026-10-28

Second Meeting of the Korea-Indonesia CEPA Joint Committee

Park Keun-oh, Director General for Trade Agreement Policy at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim), led the Korean government delegation at the second meeting of the Joint Committee under the Korea-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The meeting was held in Seoul on October 28, 2026. The Indonesian government delegation was led by Johni Martha, Director General of International Trade Negotiations at Indonesia’s Ministry of Trade. Director General Park delivered opening remarks. The two sides discussed key issues in implementing the CEPA, including the status of reviews on whether to allow imports of Indonesian poultry products and Korean dairy products. They also reviewed progress in implementing the electronic system for exchanging certificates of origin and explored cooperation to encourage businesses to make greater use of the agreement. date2026-10-28

22nd Korea–Japan (Hokuriku) Economic Exchange Conference

Bae Jun-hyoung, Director General for International Trade Relations at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim), attended the 22nd Korea–Japan (Hokuriku) Economic Exchange Conference in Daegu on October 23, 2026. Around 150 participants attended, representing central and local governments, business associations, companies, and research institutions, including MOTIR and the Chubu Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry under Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. Participants discussed expanding cooperation in future industries, including advanced materials, AI, and robotics, building on the manufacturing capabilities developed by regional industries in both countries. In his congratulatory remarks, Director General Bae emphasized the importance of cooperation between local governments and regional businesses to the broader, long-term development of Korea–Japan economic cooperation. He pledged support to ensure that the conference brings together the strengths of regional industries in both countries and creates new growth opportunities in future industries. date2026-10-23

Korea and Japan to Expand Cooperation in Future Industries, Including AI and Robotics

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) held the 22nd Korea–Hokuriku (Japan) Economic Exchange Conference in Daegu on October 23, 2026, jointly with the Chubu Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry under Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). The two sides discussed expanding cooperation in future industries, including advanced materials, AI, and robotics, by drawing on the manufacturing capabilities that regional industries in both countries have built over the years. The conference brought together approximately 150 participants, including representatives from the national and local governments, economic organizations, companies, and research institutions of both countries. It was jointly organized by the Korea-Japan Economic Association, the Hokuriku Economic Federation, and the Around Japan Sea Economic Exchange Conference in Hokuriku (Hokuriku AJEC). The Korea–Hokuriku (Japan) Economic Exchange Conference is a longstanding channel for economic cooperation between local governments and businesses in the two countries. Over the 26 years since 2000, excluding the COVID-19 pandemic period, the conference has facilitated cooperation in trade, investment, and industrial technology between four Korean regions—Daegu, Ulsan, Gangwon, and Gyeongbuk—and the three Hokuriku prefectures of Toyama, Ishikawa, and Fukui in Japan. Under the theme “Beyond Commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations: Taking Action,” this year’s conference focused on exploring concrete forms of cooperation in future industries, building on the trust and exchanges established over the years. In advanced materials, participants discussed technological cooperation that brings together manufacturing and research capabilities in both countries. Gyeongbuk TechnoPark, Japan’s TSUDAKOMA Corp., and the Innovative Composite Materials Research & Development Center at Kanazawa Institute of Technology shared information on carbon fiber composite technologies and related research findings. They also explored ways to pursue joint research and technical exchanges. On AI and robotics, discussions focused on applying these technologies in industrial settings and expanding their use. Tilon, a cloud software company, and iM Robotics Corp., a robotics automation solutions provider, presented examples of AI-based workplace innovation and smart factories using autonomous mobile robots, respectively. The companies discussed how AI and robotics can improve productivity on factory floors and explored new opportunities for cooperation with the Hokuriku region. Participants also discussed ways to foster industries and support businesses for the sustained growth and economic revitalization of regions in both countries. Korea presented policies to develop the AI and robotics industries, help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) enter overseas markets, and address regional depopulation. Japan shared policies on industrial cluster development and well-being. The two sides explored approaches to growth that reflect each region’s industrial characteristics and strengths. “Cooperation between Korean and Japanese local governments and regional businesses is important for bilateral economic ties to broaden and develop over the long term,” said Bae Jun-hyoung, Director General for International Trade Relations at MOTIR. “We will provide active support to help this conference bring together the strengths of regional industries in both countries and create new growth opportunities in future industries.” date2026-10-23

Korea and EU Discuss Key Trade Issues, Including Export Challenges and Regulatory Cooperation

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) held the 14th meeting of the Korea–EU Committee on Trade in Goods with the European Union (EU) via videoconference on October 21, 2026. Established under the Korea–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the committee serves as a channel for consultations on tariff and non-tariff issues concerning trade in goods. The two sides reviewed the implementation of the FTA and discussed major trade issues and ways to address market-access challenges for companies on both sides. Since entering into force in 2011, the Korea–EU FTA has served as a key foundation for expanding bilateral economic cooperation. The two sides have maintained solid economic ties despite growing uncertainty in the international trading environment, such as the spread of protectionism and the restructuring of global supply chains. In particular, bilateral trade increased by approximately 64 percent, from USD 83.3 billion before the FTA entered into force to USD 136.8 billion in 2025. At the meeting, Korea requested the EU’s attention and cooperation to ensure that new EU regulations do not place excessive burdens on Korean companies or act as unreasonable trade barriers. These include the Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA), Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), and requirements for cosmetics safety assessments. In particular, on the IAA, Korea emphasized its role as a trusted partner that has contributed to strengthening EU industrial competitiveness through investment and job creation in key industries, including automobiles and batteries. Korea asked the EU to ensure that excessive local-content requirements do not undermine the competitiveness of companies on both sides or supply chain stability. In addition, given the mutually beneficial trade relationship under the Korea–EU FTA, Korea requested that Korean components and final assembly in Korea receive the same treatment as their respective EU counterparts in public procurement, public support, and other areas. It also requested sufficient transition periods and reasonable exemptions that reflect supply chain conditions in strategic industries, including automobiles, low-carbon steel, and nuclear power. On CBAM, Korea requested that Korean verification bodies receive prompt accreditation on the same terms as EU-based bodies. It also emphasized that the extension of CBAM to downstream steel and aluminum products, scheduled for 2028, should cover as few products as possible and allow sufficient transition periods for companies to adapt to the regulation. On the PPWR, Korea explained that semiconductor packaging requires special materials to prevent electrostatic discharge and protect products. To ensure a stable supply of semiconductors, Korea requested exemptions for semiconductor packaging from requirements on design for recycling, recycled content, and reuse. On cosmetics, Korea requested clearer qualification criteria so that professionals who have earned relevant degrees in Korea can also be recognized as cosmetics safety assessors in the EU. It also requested improvements to the system to ensure that cosmetics safety reports prepared by specialized institutions in Korea are consistently accepted across EU member states. The two sides also discussed expanding the recognition of equivalence between their automotive technical regulations and how to pursue a mutual recognition agreement (MRA). Korea expressed hope that additional technical consultations on amending the automotive annex would proceed smoothly. On the MRA, Korea agreed to continue discussions with the EU while taking account of regulatory conditions in each sector, with the aim of expanding opportunities for companies on both sides to enter each other’s markets by reducing certification costs and time. On issues of interest to the EU, including offshore wi date2026-10-22

Korea and the Czech Republic Discuss Ways to Further Develop Nuclear Power Cooperation

Minister JK (Jung-Kwan) Kim of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) held the third meeting of the Dukovany Steering Committee with Czech Minister of Industry and Trade Karel Havlíček via videoconference on October 20, 2026. The ministers reviewed progress on the Dukovany new nuclear power plant project. They also discussed strengthening nuclear power cooperation and how to respond to the EU’s proposed Industrial Accelerator Act in relation to nuclear power. The two sides confirmed that the project has progressed on schedule to date. They reviewed the timeline and plans for meeting key milestones on time, including submitting applications for permits and licenses in the Czech Republic. They also discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between the Korean and Czech nuclear industries, both on the Dukovany project and in the global nuclear power market. Minister Kim expressed concern to the Czech side that discussions on the EU’s proposed Industrial Accelerator Act, announced in March 2026, were moving toward excessive restrictions on non-EU countries’ participation in the EU nuclear power market. He emphasized that, with the EU’s nuclear supply chain weakened, cooperation with countries that have strong supply chains, such as Korea, is essential for nuclear power plant construction plans in the Czech Republic and other EU countries to proceed without disruption. As Korea–Czech nuclear power cooperation develops into a broader partnership encompassing advanced industries and other sectors, he asked the Czech Republic to continue its diplomatic efforts within the EU to ensure that the proposed Act does not hinder bilateral cooperation. The two sides agreed to hold the fourth meeting of the Dukovany Steering Committee in Korea before the end of 2026. They also plan to organize business-to-business events alongside the meeting to strengthen cooperation between the Korean and Czech nuclear industries and generate a range of meaningful outcomes. At the third meeting of the Committee, Minister Kim also commented on Temelín Units 3 and 4, whose development is currently under consideration by the Czech government. “Large-scale nuclear power plants will be needed to support the development of the Czech Republic’s advanced industries,” Minister Kim said. He expressed hope that the Korea–Czech nuclear power partnership would continue at Temelín Units 3 and 4, following Dukovany. He added, “Continued meetings of the Dukovany Steering Committee are particularly meaningful because they allow both countries to share information transparently and jointly explore ways to ensure the smooth implementation and further development of bilateral nuclear power cooperation.” date2026-10-21

Third Meeting of the Dukovany Steering Committee

Minister JK (Jung-Kwan) Kim of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) held the third meeting of the Dukovany Steering Committee via videoconference from his office at the Government Complex Seoul on October 20, 2026. Participants included Czech Minister of Industry and Trade Karel Havlíček and representatives from the Korean and Czech governments, companies, and institutions. Following Minister Kim’s opening remarks, participants reviewed progress on the Dukovany new nuclear power plant project. They also discussed strengthening nuclear power cooperation and how to respond to the EU’s proposed Industrial Accelerator Act in relation to nuclear power. Minister Kim emphasized that continued committee meetings allow both countries to share information transparently and jointly explore ways to ensure the smooth implementation and further development of bilateral nuclear power cooperation. date2026-10-21

Korea and Chile Hold 11th Free Trade Commission Meeting

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) held the 11th Korea–Chile Free Trade Commission meeting in Seoul on October 19, 2026. The Korean and Chilean delegations were led by Park Keun-oh, Director General for Trade Agreement Policy at MOTIR, and Felipe Lopeandía Wielandt, Director General for Bilateral Economic Affairs at Chile’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, respectively. The Korea–Chile Free Trade Agreement (FTA) entered into force in 2004 as Korea’s first FTA. The agreement is seen as having helped Korean companies enter Latin American markets, with bilateral trade rising from USD 1.57 billion in 2003, before the FTA took effect, to USD 6.4 billion in 2025. The commission met for the first time in ten years, as a follow-up to an agreement reached at the bilateral summit in July 2026 to review FTA implementation and discuss trade and investment cooperation, including upgrading the agreement. The two sides reviewed FTA implementation, including progress on updating the product-specific rules of origin (PSRs) from Harmonized System (HS) 2012 to HS 2022 and the exchange of FTA utilization statistics. They also discussed a broad range of mutually beneficial cooperation measures to strengthen bilateral trade relations, including ways to advance negotiations on upgrading the Korea–Chile FTA in areas such as minerals cooperation. date2026-10-19