Ministry of Trade Industry and Resources

MOTIR Minister Meets Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister to Discuss Industrial and Trade Cooperation

Minister JK (Jung-Kwan) Kim of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources met with Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at Lotte Hotel Seoul to discuss key issues in bilateral economic and trade cooperation. Deputy Prime Minister Bozumbayev was accompanied by four senior officials, including Sayasat Nurbek, Minister of Science and Higher Education, and Olzhas Saparbekov, Vice Minister of Industry and Construction. Minister Kim and Deputy Prime Minister Bozumbayev recognized the close and mutually beneficial relationship that has developed between the two countries since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1992. They agreed on the need to further strengthen cooperation in various fields, including manufacturing, plant construction, and critical mineral supply chains, amid the rapidly changing global trade environment. At the meeting, Minister Kim proposed expanding collaboration in manufacturing and raised business concerns regarding the lack of logistics infrastructure for Kia’s new operations in Kazakhstan and the circulation of counterfeit Korean home appliances. He requested the Kazakh government’s attention and support to resolve these issues promptly. On plant sector cooperation, Minister Kim called for greater participation by Korean companies in new projects and support for ongoing construction projects. Regarding critical mineral supply chains, he suggested enhancing cooperation through the establishment of the Rare Metals Technology Cooperation Center, which will be supported by MOTIR’s official development assistance (ODA) program starting in 2026. On Kazakhstan’s Alatau City development project, Minister Kim emphasized that Korea possesses advanced technologies and extensive experience in areas such as eco-friendly development, artificial intelligence, and future mobility, and expressed hope to continue close cooperation in these fields. date2025-10-16

Korea and UK Discuss Trade Cooperation Amid Global Trade Shifts

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) announced that Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo held a video conference on October 1, 2025, with Chris Bryant, the UK Minister of State at the Department for Business and Trade, following Minister Bryant’s request for an introductory meeting. The two sides exchanged views on expanding bilateral cooperation and addressing major trade issues under the current uncertain global trade landscape. The UK is Korea’s sixth-largest trading partner in Europe, with bilateral trade reaching USD 11.21 billion in 2024 under the Korea–UK FTA signed after Brexit. The UK also ranks as Korea’s third-largest European investor (cumulative as of 2024), with active mutual investment serving as a key driver of economic growth in both countries. Trade Minister Yeo congratulated Minister Bryant on his appointment and expressed hope for close communication amid the uncertain global trade environment. He also discussed ways to balance both sides’ core interests to expedite the conclusion of the Korea–UK FTA upgrade negotiations, and exchanged views on the UK’s trade issues, including recent trade and large-scale investment agreements with the US. Trade Minister Yeo further emphasized the need for measures to ease corporate burdens, such as adjusting reporting cycles, in relation to the UK’s introduction of a carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM). He conveyed the Korean industry’s concerns and requests regarding the UK’s strengthened steel safeguard measures and electric vehicle subsidy program, and called for cooperation and support from the UK government, along with continued bilateral consultations. date2025-10-02

Korea and Uzbekistan Sign MOU to Strengthen Cooperation on Technical Regulations

The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS, President Kim Dae-ja) under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on September 30, 2025, with the Uzbek Agency for Technical Regulation (Director Akmal Jumanazarov) to strengthen cooperation on technical regulations. The MOU formalizes bilateral cooperation on information exchange and issue resolution related to technical regulations, aimed at easing technical barriers to trade (TBT) and supporting mutual market entry. This marks a significant step forward from the previous practice of relying only on case-by-case consultations. Uzbekistan ranked fourth last year in terms of technical regulation-related difficulties faced by Korean companies. As a non-WTO member and a country without a free trade agreement (FTA) with Korea, Uzbekistan has lacked an official negotiation channel, leaving companies dependent on individual consultations. For example, in March 2025, exports of home appliances faced customs delays due to requirements for “certification by container,” but the issue was resolved through bilateral consultations by adopting a representative model sampling inspection method. Under the MOU, the two countries will operate an annual joint expert working group with both government and private-sector participation to discuss regulatory issues, focusing on major export items such as textiles and home appliances, and to develop concrete cooperation measures. A business roundtable was also held with participation from Korean companies such as Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics, where they discussed local regulatory trends, shared challenges, and explored countermeasures. KATS President Kim Dae-ja stated, “This MOU will strengthen Korea–Uzbekistan cooperation on technical regulations, helping to reduce procedural uncertainties and export hurdles for Korean companies. Through regular consultation channels, we will respond more swiftly to local regulations, support business activities, and contribute to enhancing trade and industrial competitiveness.” date2025-09-30

13th East Asia Summit (EAS) Economic Ministers’ Meeting

Yeo Han-koo, Minister for Trade at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE), attended the 13th East Asia Summit (EAS) Economic Ministers’ Meeting held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in Malaysia on Thursday, September 25, 2025.  The meeting brought together economic ministers from 18 countries, including ASEAN member states such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore, as well as the United States, China, and Japan.  Minister Yeo emphasized the need to focus discussions on practical areas such as open plurilateralism and called for active participation and engagement of EAS members in the upcoming APEC Summit.   date2025-09-29

5th Korea–Saudi Vision 2030 Committee Meeting

Korea and Saudi Arabia, the Middle East’s largest economy and a key Global South market, are set to expand their economic cooperation across core manufacturing industries, advanced sectors such as AI, and culture and entertainment. Minister JK (Jung-Kwan) Kim of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) co-chaired the fifth Korea–Saudi Vision 2030 Committee Meeting with Khalid Al-Falih, Minister of Investment of Saudi Arabia, on September 26, 2025, at Lotte Hotel Seoul. The meeting was the first to be held in Seoul in two years, since the fourth Committee in October 2023, and was attended by 11 ministries of both governments. The Committee was launched in 2017 under the Korea–Saudi Vision 2030 Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) as an inter-ministerial platform to manage key cooperation projects, address challenges, and support collaboration among governments, institutions, and companies. The Committee is structured around six subcommittees: overall cooperation, manufacturing and energy, smart infrastructure and digital, capacity building, healthcare, and SMEs and investment. At this meeting, the two sides reviewed the implementation status of 46 existing projects and identified 11 new cooperation projects. While Korea–Saudi economic ties had traditionally centered on crude oil imports and construction contracts, the Committee has expanded the scope of cooperation into core manufacturing industries such as automobiles and shipbuilding. For example, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Saudi Aramco are jointly building  International Maritime Industries (IMI), the largest shipyard in the Middle East, at the King Salman Maritime Industries Complex (12 million m²), scheduled for completion in the first half of 2026. A joint venture ship engine assembly plant is also expected to be completed by the end of 2026. In addition, Hyundai Motor Company and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) are jointly building an automobile manufacturing plant in King Abdullah Economic City. Construction began in May 2025, with mass production targeted for the first half of 2027. The new shipbuilding and automobile projects identified at this meeting will build on these achievements. In shipbuilding, the two sides agreed to link existing cooperation across the value chain—from engine assembly to vessel construction—with the joint development of advanced eco-friendly technologies to reduce carbon emissions. In automobiles, they agreed to advance cooperation beyond local assembly into the broader industrial ecosystem covering complete vehicles, core technologies, fuels, and standards, including R&D in engine and hybrid vehicle technologies and the establishment of hydrogen vehicle fuel quality management systems. Collaboration in AI and advanced industries, as well as culture and entertainment, is also expected to gain momentum. In February 2025, Naver, through its joint venture with the Saudi National Housing Company (NHC), established digital twin platforms in major cities such as Jeddah, Mecca, and Medina. Naver plans to enhance these platforms by integrating AI to provide comprehensive smart city services spanning transportation, energy, and safety management. Leading Korean AI semiconductor companies such as Rebellions and FuriosaAI are also exploring cooperation in digital transformation and AI innovation with Saudi partners, including the state-owned AI company Humane. In addition, Korea and Saudi Arabia agreed to further specify cooperation in culture and entertainment, including film, e-sports, and tourism. Minister Kim emphasized, “We will establish and operate ongoing communication channels within each subcommittee to ensure seamless implementation of cooperation projects, and closely link existing and new projects to maximize synergy. Going forward, we will broaden the scope of cooperation into AI, advanced industries, and soft power, where the two date2025-09-26

95th Saudi National Day Celebration

Kim Jung-kwan, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, attended the 95th Saudi National Day celebration held at Seoul Dragon City in Yongsan-gu, Seoul on Monday, September 22, 2025. The event was attended by over 400 participants, including Fahad Baraka, Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Korea, government representatives from both countries, ambassadors from key nations, and business leaders. Minister Kim delivered congratulatory remarks at the ceremony.   date2025-09-24

7th Round of Korea–Thailand Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) Negotiations

Noh Geon-gi, Director-General for Trade Negotiations at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE), attended the 7th round of official negotiations for the Korea–Thailand Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) held at Lotte Hotel in Sogong-dong, Seoul on Monday, September 22, 2025. The meeting was attended by Chotima Iemsawasdikul, Director-General of the Department of Trade Negotiations at Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce, along with government delegations from both countries. Following opening remarks, the two sides proceeded with negotiations in seven areas, including goods, services, investment, digital, and finance. date2025-09-24

Korea–Thailand Hold 7th Round of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)

Amid the global rise of protectionism and economic nationalism, Korea is seeking to diversify its export markets and strengthen the competitiveness of its companies through a bilateral trade agreement with Thailand, one of ASEAN’s largest economies and its most promising markets. The 7th round of official negotiations for the Korea–Thailand Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)will be held in Seoul on September 22–September 25, 2025. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE, Minister JK Kim) announced that around 70 officials from Korea and Thailand will participate in the negotiations. The Korean delegation will be led by Noh Geon-gi, Director-General for Trade Negotiations at MOTIE, while the Thai delegation will be led by Chotima Iemsawasdikul, Director-General of the Department of Trade Negotiations at Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce. Since launching the first round in July 2024, Korea and Thailand have held six official negotiations and an intersessional meeting in July 2025, maintaining positive momentum in their discussions. In August 2025, the two sides agreed to upgrade the title of the existing Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) to the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), reflecting the expanded scope of economic cooperation under negotiation, including supply chains, SMEs, tourism, healthcare, labor, and the environment. At the 7th round, the two sides will continue discussions across seven areas, including goods, services, investment, digital, and finance, with the aim of laying the groundwork for an early conclusion of the talks. Director-General Noh stated, “The Korea–Thailand CEPA, true to its name, will not only expand market access between the two countries but also provide an institutional basis to promote cooperation in a wide range of sectors. The agreement will serve as a driving force to boost bilateral trade and investment, broaden the foundation for economic cooperation, enhance consumer welfare in both countries, and deliver practical benefits to businesses by strengthening export competitiveness and diversifying overseas markets.” date2025-09-23

Korea and Saudi Arabia Strengthen “Rafiq” (Companion) Partnership

Korea and Saudi Arabia, a key hub in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, are expected to strengthen their economic partnership for a new era of growth. Minister JK (Jung-Kwan) Kim of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) attended the 95th Saudi National Day celebration hosted by the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Seoul (Chargé d’Affaires Fahad Barakah) on September 22, 2025, to commemorate the long-standing friendship between the two countries and outline directions for future cooperation. In his congratulatory remarks, Minister Kim recalled that “since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1962, Korea and Saudi Arabia have strengthened their cooperation as growth partners across diverse fields such as energy, construction, and manufacturing.” He emphasized that “as Saudi Arabia prepares for the post-oil era and Korea pursues an innovation-driven growth agenda amid rapidly changing trade dynamics, we should take our partnership to the next level and broaden its horizons for a new era of growth,” outlining three priorities for bilateral cooperation: First, to establish the Korea–Saudi Vision 2030 Committee as a whole-of-government, ministerial cooperation channel, laying the groundwork for the early launch of the Korea–Saudi Strategic Partnership Committee at the leaders’ level. Second, to expand cooperation into new areas, including advanced semiconductors, robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and other high-tech sectors, as well as services such as culture and entertainment, including K-pop and K-dramas. Third, to extend successful Korea–Saudi economic cooperation models to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the Levant, and ultimately the wider MENA region. In particular, he noted that Korea will work toward the swift signing and entry into force of the Korea–GCC Free Trade Agreement, concluded in late 2023, to further advance economic cooperation with the region. Minister Kim also introduced the Arabic concept of “Rafiq,” meaning a trusted companion who journeys together, and underscored his commitment to strengthening the Korea–Saudi partnership in that spirit. date2025-09-23

Korea–Ukraine Discuss Economic Cooperation

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE, Minister JK Kim) announced that First Vice Minister Moon Shin-hak met with Marina Denysiuk, Deputy Minister of the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine, on Friday, September 19, 2025, at the Government Complex Seoul to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation. Vice Minister Moon expressed deep sympathy for the Ukrainian people and communities severely affected by more than three years of war, noting that Korea also rose from the ruins of war and therefore understands Ukraine’s hardships. He stressed that as a leading manufacturing country, Korea has strong potential to cooperate with Ukraine in plant and infrastructure construction and power equipment. He also noted that Ukraine, as one of the world’s major grain producers, could accelerate its agricultural recovery by working with Korean agricultural machinery equipped with advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). Deputy Minister Denysiuk thanked Korea for sharing its growth experience, highlighting that it could provide valuable insights for Ukraine’s reconstruction and future development. She emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation not only through government-to-government (G2G) channels but also through business-to-business (B2B) partnerships. In particular, she expressed strong interest in Korea’s support programs for small-scale independent power grids, or microgrids, describing them as essential infrastructure for community recovery. Vice Minister Moon stated, “We hope peace will be restored in Ukraine as soon as possible. Once conditions allow after the war, we look forward to Ukraine’s support so that Korean companies, with their extensive experience and technological expertise, can contribute to Ukraine’s reconstruction.” date2025-09-19