Ministry of Trade Industry and Resources

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 to Develop its Own NTE Report

Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) chaired the Public-Private Meeting on Strengthening Responses to Trade Barriers on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at Seoul Trade Tower. The meeting was attended by representatives from the government, industry associations, and related organizations. Through recent meetings and site visits with the K-beauty and K-fashion industries, Trade Minister Yeo heard firsthand that non-tariff barriers—such as certification and customs clearance requirements—pose significant challenges to Korea’s consumer goods exports in both advanced and developing markets. Building on these field insights, the meeting reviewed Korea’s current trade barrier response system and discussed improvement measures. MOTIR announced that it will work jointly with relevant ministries and agencies to publish the Korean version of the National Trade Estimate (NTE) Report in the first half of 2026. The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) publishes the National Trade Estimate (NTE) Report on Foreign Trade Barriers each year, based on U.S. trade law, assessing the trade environment and major tariff and non-tariff measures in approximately 60 trading partners. MOTIR also plans to analyze foreign measures that disadvantage Korean firms and compile key findings into a consolidated “Trade Barrier Database” to improve industry access and usability. MOTIR will also establish the Public-Private Trade Barrier Response Council as a regular body meeting twice a year, enabling systematic information-sharing and coordinated response strategies. Progress on bilateral dialogues, FTA joint committees, and other relevant discussions will be monitored through quarterly review meetings to ensure a seamless public-private response mechanism to trade barriers. Trade Minister Yeo emphasized that “although the Korea–U.S. tariff negotiations have been concluded, the global trade environment has entered a structural new normal, requiring more assertive trade policies to address trade barriers. As the central coordinating body, the Ministry of Trade will mobilize public and private capabilities and actively support the overseas expansion of K-beauty and K-fashion companies.” MOTIR will also launch a dedicated task force by the end of 2025 to prepare the Korean NTE Report. 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

MOTIR Holds 2025 World Class Product Certification Ceremony

The Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) held the 2025 World Class Product of Korea Certification Ceremony on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at Lotte Hotel World in Seoul, presenting certificates to 83 newly selected items and 88 companies designated as World Class Products and World Class Product producers. The World Class Product designation program, launched in 2001, annually selects world-class export products and their producers to diversify Korea’s export portfolio and strengthen future growth engines. This year, 27 items—including TC Bonder (semiconductor bonding equipment) and telecommunications semiconductor substrates—and 31 companies were selected as Current World Class Products, while 56 items and 57 companies were selected as Next Generation World Class Products. An export consultation event was held alongside the ceremony, bringing together 100 overseas buyers and 150 participating companies, including World Class Product producers. A total of 11 export contracts and MOUs valued at USD 16.3 million were signed. Additional events included an Industrial AI Forum and 1:1 job consultations for middle market enterprises. Director General for Middle Market Enterprise Policy Choi Yeon-woo stated, “Despite an increasingly challenging trade environment due to rising protectionism, Korea’s export growth is driven by companies striving to produce world-class products.” He added, “The government will continue to strengthen industrial competitiveness and sustain Korea’s export momentum.” date2025-11-19

Graphene Square Opens Pohang Plant, Advancing Graphene Commercialization and Regional Growth

The opening ceremony for Graphene Square’s new Pohang plant—one of the region’s key relocated enterprises—was held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, in Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do. Graphene Square is the world’s first company to commercialize mass-synthesis technology for graphene and apply it to real-world products. Using its chemical vapor deposition (CVD)-based graphene synthesis technology, the company is a global leader in large-scale production and commercialization of high-quality graphene. The newly completed Pohang plant establishes the world’s first mass-production system for CVD graphene films, with an annual production capacity of 300,000 square meters. This marks a major starting point for full-scale graphene commercialization. It is also expected to serve as an important milestone in Korea’s balanced national development, positioning Pohang—designated in August 2025 as an Industrial Crisis Response Area—as a rising hub for the graphene industry alongside steel. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) has consistently supported the graphene industry by providing R&D assistance for graphene-related technologies and by designating Graphene Square’s technology as an “advanced technology” under the Act on Prevention of Divulgence and Protection of Industrial Technology in September 2025. MOTIR also supported the establishment of the Pohang plant by providing Local Investment Promotion Subsidies, aiding Pohang’s efforts to attract the facility. In his congratulatory remarks, Kim Seong-yeol, Director General for Industrial Infrastructure at MOTIR, stated, "Graphene is a core material that will determine competitiveness in high-tech industries. The government will continue to support the graphene industry through various measures such as identifying new applications and improving regulatory conditions.” He added, “Attracting the graphene plant to Pohang demonstrates that regions outside the Seoul metropolitan area can secure major high-tech industries, providing a successful model for balanced national development that goes beyond simple regional parity to enable genuine regional growth. Building on the ‘Five Mega-Regions and Three Special Self-Governing Provinces’ strategy, we will continue to create a favorable investment environment by improving infrastructure and living conditions, expanding local investment subsidies, and supporting regional efforts to attract innovative companies.” date2025-11-18

MOTIR to Fund KRW 120 Billion for High-Tech Materials, Parts, and Equipment Firms, Catalyzing KRW 550 Billion in Investment

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) convened the Technical Subcommittee under the National High-Tech Strategic Industry Committee on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, and finalized the selection of 21 companies for the “Investment Fund for Materials, Parts, and Equipment SMEs and Mid-sized Enterprises in National High-Tech Strategic Industries.” Selected major firms include Soulbrain (semiconductor materials), Jusung Engineering (semiconductor equipment), Dongwha Electrolyte (electrolytes for secondary batteries), and Amicogen (biotechnology culture media). The Investment Fund was established this year with KRW 70 billion in national funding to promote domestic investment in high-tech industries such as semiconductors and secondary batteries. The government received a total of 62 investment proposals amounting to KRW 1.2 trillion, with approximately KRW 210 billion attributable to national funding. Following document screening and presentation evaluations, MOTIR plans to provide KRW 121.1 billion in investment support—including contributions from local governments—to companies across four high-tech sectors: semiconductors, secondary batteries, biotechnology, and displays. Final recipients will receive project funding immediately upon completing administrative procedures, including signing project agreements with the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT), the program’s implementing agency.  At the meeting, Director General for Industrial Policy Park Dong-il stated, “As global competition over supply chains intensifies, the Investment Fund will serve as a catalyst for expanding domestic production and research infrastructure.” He added, “MOTIR will continue to actively expand investment in the materials, parts, and equipment sector—the core foundation of industrial competitiveness—to strengthen the capabilities of Korean firms, increase localization rates, and ensure the stable growth of Korea’s high-tech industrial ecosystem.”  MOTIR also noted that as the program expands to six eligible sectors in 2026—including robotics and defense—the ministry is preparing to allocate KRW 100 billion in national funding under the government’s proposed budget, in consultation with fiscal authorities. date2025-11-18

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

MOTIR and Relevant Ministries Discuss Trade Follow-up Measures after Korea–U.S. Tariff Negotiations

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) convened the 51st Trade Promotion Committee meeting on Monday, November 17, 2025, at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) in Seoul. The meeting, chaired by Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo and attended by relevant ministries, discussed follow-up measures for trade-related commitments outlined in the “Korea–U.S. Joint Fact Sheet” released on November 14, 2025. The Joint Fact Sheet covers non-tariff barriers and economic security cooperation in various areas, including automobiles, agriculture, digital services, competition, intellectual property, labor, and the environment. During the meeting, relevant ministries shared details on the agreed items in the Joint Fact Sheet and reviewed the follow-up actions required from each agency. Based on the discussions, the Ministry of Trade will address concrete implementation measures with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) at the Korea–U.S. FTA Joint Committee meeting in December 2025. Trade Minister Yeo stated, “Following the conclusion of the tariff negotiations after an extensive process, it is essential that we thoroughly implement the non-tariff follow-up measures to ensure stable management of the Korea–U.S. trade environment.” He added, “As Korea’s chief representative to the Korea–U.S. FTA Joint Committee, I ask for the close cooperation of all relevant ministries to ensure the smooth completion of non-tariff consultations." date2025-11-17