Ministry of Trade Industry and Resources

Meeting with the Deputy Minister of Industry and New Technologies of the Republic of Tajikistan

Park Jung-sung, Deputy Minister for Trade at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources, met with Nazar Aziz Savzali, Deputy Minister of Industry and New Technologies of the Republic of Tajikistan, on November 24 at the Korea Trade Insurance Corporation in Seoul to discuss expanding bilateral economic cooperation in trade and investment, development cooperation (ODA), and critical mineral supply chains. The Tajik delegation also included Abdugaffor Jamolzoda, Deputy Director of the Export Agency, and Shamsullo Khairullozoda, Deputy Minister of Finance. Deputy Minister Park said, “Tajikistan is one of Korea’s key economic partners in Central Asia. We will continue to advance bilateral cooperation through various policy initiatives in areas such as trade, investment, and development cooperation.” date2025-11-25

Korea and Tajikistan Discuss Expanding Economic Cooperation

Park Jung-sung, Deputy Minister for Trade at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim), met with Nazar Aziz Savzali, Deputy Minister of Industry and New Technologies of the Republic of Tajikistan, on November 24, 2025, at the Korea Trade Insurance Corporation in Seoul to discuss expanding bilateral economic cooperation in trade and investment, official development assistance (ODA), and critical mineral supply chains. The Tajik delegation also included Abdugaffor Jamolzoda, Deputy Director of the Export Agency, and Shamsullo Khairullozoda, Deputy Minister of Finance. During the meeting, the two sides noted the steady growth in bilateral trade but agreed on the need to diversify exports beyond automobiles. They also discussed expanding industrial cooperation through MOTIR’s ODA programs in areas such as textiles and solar power, as well as strengthening cooperation on critical mineral supply chains in Tajikistan.  The Tajik delegation expressed interest in benchmarking Korea’s export promotion and industrial site development policies to expand bilateral trade and investment, and requested more active communication, including the sharing of best practices. The Korean side agreed on the importance of strengthening exchanges and cooperation. Deputy Minister Park said, “Tajikistan is one of Korea’s key economic partners in Central Asia. We will continue to advance bilateral cooperation through various policy initiatives in areas such as trade, investment, and development cooperation.” date2025-11-24

Korea, China, and Japan Discuss Practical Industry and Technology Cooperation for Growth in the Pan-Yellow Sea Region

The 23rd Pan-Yellow Sea Rim Economic and Technology Exchange Conference, co-hosted by Korea (Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources, Minister JK Kim), China (Ministry of Commerce), and Japan (Kyushu Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry), was held in Daejeon from November 18 to 20, 2025. The three countries have alternately hosted the conference since its launch in 2001. At the 13th Korea–Japan–China Economic and Trade Ministers’ Meeting (March 2025, Seoul), the ministries agreed to actively support the conference as a platform for promoting business and technology exchanges among the three countries. The conference brought together over 300 participants from the three countries’ central and local governments, industries, and economic organizations. Delegates included Lee Jae-keun, Director General for New Trade Strategy and Policy at MOTIR; Wang Liping, Director General of the Department of Asian Affairs of China’s Ministry of Commerce; Hoshino Mitsuaki, Director General of Japan’s Kyushu Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry; and Park Young-kyu, Ambassador for International Relations of Daejeon Metropolitan City, the host region. Under the overarching theme of “Growth and Development of the Pan-Yellow Sea Rim Economic Zone,” participants shared recent cooperation outcomes and policy initiatives in specific fields—including bioindustry and healthcare, science and technology, and business exchanges—and discussed future cooperation opportunities. The three countries also reached consensus on the need to build an innovation ecosystem in the region and enhance practical industrial and technological cooperation. Given the strong participation of regional business leaders this year, the conference also offered a separate economic cooperation program to facilitate practical collaboration. During the Business Consultation Session on November 20, 2025, about 200 meetings took place between Korean–Chinese and Korean–Japanese companies, generating tangible outcomes in overseas expansion and investment opportunities.  In addition to the trilateral agenda, Korea held bilateral cooperation programs with China and Japan. Korea and China convened the Third-Country Joint Entry Forum on November 20 to explore cooperation and joint entry strategies for third-country markets, and to share experiences and information on overseas expansion. Korea and Japan (Kyushu) held the Korea–Kyushu Economic Exchange Conference 2025 on November 18 to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic normalization. The two sides discussed cooperation in key supply-chain industries where they are closely linked, including semiconductors and automobiles. The Korea–Japan Economic Association and the Kyushu Economic Federation—the representative organizations for bilateral economic cooperation—also issued a joint statement committing to promote exchanges among regions, institutions, and companies; address shared challenges such as future industries, low birthrates, and regional depopulation; and expand people-to-people exchanges. MOTIR (Director General Lee Jae-keun) held a trilateral director general meeting with China and Japan to discuss ways to boost trade and investment, promote cooperation in advanced industries such as ICT and biotechnology, and facilitate joint entry into third-country markets. Korea also held bilateral meetings with the Chinese and Japanese delegations to address trade issues and other matters of mutual interest. date2025-11-20

Korea and the UAE to Jointly Advance the UAE Stargate Project

The Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Bae Kyung-hoon), the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment (MCEE, Minister Kim Sung-whan), the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF, Minister Chun Jae-soo), the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim), and the National AI Strategy Committee announced that, on the occasion of President Lee Jae Myung’s state visit to the United Arab Emirates, Korea and the UAE will significantly expand bilateral cooperation, including Korea’s participation in the UAE’s Stargate Project—one of the world’s largest AI infrastructure initiatives. To position Korea as a “global top-three AI powerhouse,” the government has strengthened its AI innovation ecosystem across infrastructure, technology, and talent through cooperation with global partners such as BlackRock, OpenAI, and NVIDIA. Aiming to establish itself as the “AI Capital of Asia,” Korea views strategic partnerships with key nations as essential to leading the competitive global market. Cooperation with the UAE marks the first large-scale effort to extend Korea’s accumulated capabilities into overseas markets, signaling the country’s full-fledged entry into the global AI race. Strategic AI Cooperation Framework Korea’s National AI Strategy Committee and the UAE’s Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council (AIATC) signed the Strategic AI Cooperation Framework, agreeing to deepen collaboration in the AI sector. Priority areas include AI investment and infrastructure development, AI supply-chain expansion, the acceleration of AI and advanced-technology adoption, and AI R&D. Under this framework, the two countries will cooperate across areas ranging from AI technology and application development to AI-energy infrastructure construction. During the summit, the two countries agreed to jointly pursue major projects for shared prosperity and development. The first initiative is the Energy-Mix-Based Hyperscale AI Data Center Project, which involves constructing a large-scale AI data center in the UAE. To ensure stable operation, the project will integrate nuclear, gas, and renewable energy sources into the power grid, while also expanding cooperation in semiconductor supply chains. The UAE Stargate Project alone is expected to involve initial investments exceeding KRW 30 trillion, providing substantial opportunities for Korean companies in energy, batteries, climate-tech solutions, AI startups, and firms with experience in AI data centers to enter the global market. The second initiative is a physical-AI–based smart port and logistics project. Korea will leverage its experience with fully automated terminals and data-driven physical AI to help the UAE develop highly efficient automated and intelligent ports. Busan Port and Abu Dhabi’s Khalifa Port will serve as testbeds for joint demonstration and validation. This cooperation will not only create growth opportunities for Korean physical-AI technology companies but also support the global expansion of AI-driven port and logistics systems. It represents a major step forward for both countries as emerging leaders in smart ports and logistics. MOU to Expand AI-Sector Exchanges MSIT and the UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence signed an MOU to expand cooperation in the AI sector, supporting exchanges among research institutions, companies, and experts; facilitating private-sector engagement; and promoting AI investment. The MOU also outlines cooperation to enable Korean AI companies to participate in UAE AI data center construction and sector-specific AI transformation projects. To sustain cooperation, MSIT and the UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence agreed to establish a director-level bilateral AI policy council. This mechanism will strengthen AI-governance collaboration chann date2025-11-19

Korea and the UAE Establish CEPA Economic Cooperation Committee and Sign MOU to Accelerate Nuclear Export Cooperation

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) announced that, immediately following the Korea–UAE summit held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, and in the presence of President Lee Jae Myung and UAE leadership, the two countries signed two memoranda of understanding (MOUs). These MOUs establish a Korea–UAE CEPA Economic Cooperation Committee ahead of the agreement’s entry into force and accelerate cooperation in nuclear-energy technology development, efficient nuclear-plant operations, and third-country nuclear exports. MOTIR Minister JK (Jung-Kwan) Kim and Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, signed the MOU on the Administration and Operation of the Korea–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) Economic Cooperation Committee. The Korea–UAE CEPA, formally signed in May 2024 and currently undergoing parliamentary ratification, is Korea’s first FTA with a Middle Eastern country and marks a significant milestone. This MOU establishes an operational framework in advance so that concrete cooperation programs can begin immediately upon the agreement’s entry into force. MOTIR plans to activate the committee as soon as CEPA takes effect, identify priority areas for bilateral cooperation, and strengthen the agreement’s implementation. In addition, Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) and the Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) signed the MOU on Nuclear New Technologies, AI, and Global Market Cooperation. Through this partnership, the two countries will expand cooperation to ensure stable and reliable nuclear-plant operations, including joint training programs for junior engineers and data specialists, and increased exchanges between universities and research institutes. The two sides will also enhance predictive maintenance, operational environment simulation, and digitalization of plant data by leveraging AI and digital technologies. Building on these advancements, they agreed to expand the Barakah cooperation model globally and pursue joint entry into third-country nuclear markets. MOTIR stated that the two MOUs will launch practical cooperation platforms that bring together government and private-sector entities in trade and nuclear-export fields. The ministry added that it will strengthen follow-up measures for joint projects and actively support Korean companies operating in the UAE. date2025-11-19

2025 International Cooperation Meet-up Day for Middle Market Enterprises

Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo delivered welcome remarks at the 2025 International Cooperation Meet-up Day for Middle Market Enterprises on Monday, November 17, at the Fairmont Ambassador Seoul.   The event brought together around 80 participants, including FOMEK Chairman Choi Jin-shik, KOIMA President Youn Young-mi, MOTIR Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo, Dato' Mohd Zamruni bin Khalid, Ambassador of Malaysia to the Republic of Korea, other ASEAN ambassadors stationed in Korea, and representatives from Dongsung and Sempio.   In his welcome remarks, Trade Minister Yeo noted that ASEAN has become Korea’s second-largest trade and investment region, adding that MOTIR will upgrade the Korea–ASEAN FTA with a focus on digital trade while actively addressing non-tariff and other barriers that impede the overseas expansion of Korean middle-market enterprises. date2025-11-18

Middle Market Enterprises Lead Export Diversification to the New Southern Region

The 2025 International Cooperation Meet-up Day for Middle Market Enterprises, hosted by the Federation of Middle Market Enterprises of Korea (FOMEK) and the Korea Importers Association (KOIMA), was held on Monday, November 17, 2025, at the Fairmont Ambassador Seoul. The event brought together around 80 participants, including FOMEK Chairman Choi Jin-shik; KOIMA President Youn Young-mi; MOTIR Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo; Dato' Mohd Zamruni bin Khalid, Ambassador of Malaysia to the Republic of Korea; other ASEAN ambassadors stationed in Korea; and representatives from Dongsung and Sempio. Although middle market enterprises (MMEs) account for only 1.3 percent of all Korean companies, they represent 21 percent of Korea’s exports to ASEAN. In 2024, MME exports grew 2.7 percent year-on-year, while their exports to ASEAN rose 7.6 percent—underscoring their pivotal role in diversifying Korea’s export portfolio toward the New Southern region. Hyundai Research Institute, which presented at the event, stated, “To expand MME networks in ASEAN, it is essential for Korea and ASEAN to jointly explore measures such as R&D cooperation in new industries and technologies to respond to the AI revolution and strengthen soft-power capabilities in areas such as distribution, logistics, and culture.” Trade Minister Yeo attended the event and discussed follow-up measures to the Korea–ASEAN Summit held in Malaysia in October 2025 with Dato' Mohd Zamruni Khalid, Ambassador of Malaysia to the Republic of Korea, and other ASEAN ambassadors stationed in Korea. In his opening remarks, Trade Minister Yeo emphasized, “ASEAN has emerged as Korea’s second-largest region for trade and investment. As the core of the New Southern region, we will work to upgrade the Korea–ASEAN FTA with a focus on digital trade and actively resolve non-tariff and other trade barriers that hinder the overseas expansion of our middle market enterprises." date2025-11-17

Korea–EU Discuss Key Trade Issues, Including New EU Steel Import Measures and Cosmetics Export Concerns

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) held the 13th Korea–EU Committee on Trade in Goods meeting in Seoul on Thursday, November 13, 2025, under the Korea–EU Free Trade Agreement (Korea–EU FTA). As the consultative channel for tariff and non-tariff issues related to trade in goods, the committee reviewed the implementation of the Korea–EU FTA and discussed ways to address market-access challenges for companies on both sides. Now in its 13th year of implementation, the Korea–EU FTA continues to serve as a foundation for an open and transparent market and a mutually beneficial trade relationship between Korea and the EU. Based on this framework, the two sides have maintained steady economic exchanges despite rising global trade uncertainties, including heightened protectionism and supply-chain instability. The Korean side emphasized that strengthened EU regulations—such as the EU Battery Regulation, Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), and the F-gas Regulation—should not place excessive burdens on businesses and must be applied in a non-discriminatory manner to both EU and non-EU companies. Regarding the steel import measures recently proposed by the European Commission, Korea emphasized that it is an FTA partner and trusted counterpart working with the EU to address global steel overcapacity, not a target of restrictions. It also noted that the measure should not undermine the principles of free and fair trade between Korea and the EU and called for a mutually agreeable solution. As the EU tightens regulations on packaging and packaging waste in the cosmetics sector—an industry of growing importance for Korea—the Korean side requested clear communication of the relevant rules and sufficient preparation time for companies before enforcement. It further highlighted the need for continued dialogue during the revision of the Cosmetic Products Regulation (CPR). On issues of interest to the EU—such as labeling and online sales regulations for alcoholic beverages, offshore wind power systems, and safety regulations for children’s products—the Korean delegation shared its ongoing engagement with relevant industries and provided detailed responses to the EU’s inquiries. Both sides agreed to maintain close discussions and cooperation to achieve meaningful outcomes at the Trade Committee meeting scheduled for the first quarter of 2026. date2025-11-14

Korea and the UK Hold Sixth Round of FTA Upgrade Negotiations

Kwon Hye-jin, Director General for FTA Negotiations at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources and Korea’s chief negotiator, met with her UK counterpart, Adam Fenn, Deputy Director at the UK Department for Business and Trade, together with delegations from both countries at the sixth round of Korea–UK FTA upgrade negotiations on Monday, November 10, at Conrad Seoul Hotel in Yeouido. After delivering opening remarks, the two sides held detailed negotiations across eight subcommittees, covering areas such as services, investment, digital trade, finance, and general provisions.   During his visit to the negotiation venue, Trade Minister Yeo noted that the upgraded Korea–UK FTA is expected to become a modern and comprehensive agreement covering not only expanded market access but also emerging issues such as supply chain resilience and digital trade norms. He encouraged both delegations to make every effort to resolve the remaining issues and conclude the negotiations swiftly. date2025-11-13

Korea and Qatar to Strengthen Cooperation in Energy Supply Chains, Plant, and Shipbuilding Sectors

Minister JK (Jung-Kwan) Kim of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) met with Saad bin Sherida Al-Kaabi, Minister of State for Energy Affairs of Qatar and CEO of QatarEnergy, in Seoul on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. The two ministers discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation, focusing on energy supply chain collaboration. The meeting, arranged during Minister Al-Kaabi’s visit to Korea, provided an opportunity for the two countries to address key issues related to energy supply chain stability and exchange views on expanding practical cooperation in the plant construction and shipbuilding sectors. Both ministers commended the longstanding partnership between Korea and Qatar in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector and noted its role in maintaining supply chain stability. They also discussed Qatar’s ongoing plans to expand LNG production and shared perspectives on broadening cooperation across industrial and resource-related fields, including measures to ensure a stable energy supply. Recognizing the close interconnection between LNG trade and related industries such as plant construction and shipbuilding, the two countries agreed to further strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation in these areas. MOTIR stated that this meeting with Qatar’s top energy official served as an important opportunity to reinforce energy supply chain stability and expand practical cooperation in key industrial sectors. The ministry added that it will continue to strengthen high-level dialogue channels with Qatar and pursue concrete project-based partnerships in LNG, plant construction, and shipbuilding. date2025-11-13