Ministry of Trade Industry and Resources

Korea to Invest KRW 940.8 Billion in Advanced Medical Device R&D Over Seven Years

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim), the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Bae Kyung-hoon), the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW, Minister Jeong Eun Kyeong), and the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS, Minister Oh Yu-kyoung) announced plans to launch the second phase of the Inter-Ministerial Advanced Medical Device R&D Program, investing a total of KRW 940.8 billion (KRW 838.3 billion in government funding and KRW 102.5 billion in private investment) over seven years from 2026 to 2032. The program aims to develop six breakthrough medical devices that are world-first or world-leading, and to localize 13 essential medical devices. This inter-ministerial initiative will support the entire R&D cycle—from basic and fundamental research to commercialization, clinical trials, and regulatory approval. In particular, it will focus on future growth areas such as AI- and robotics-based medical devices, strengthening global competitiveness and fostering the medical device industry as a national growth engine. Building on the success of the first phase Inter-Ministerial Full-Cycle Medical Device R&D Program (2020–2024), the new initiative passed the preliminary feasibility study for national R&D programs in August 2025. During the first phase, a total of 467 projects were supported, resulting in 433 regulatory approvals (331 domestic and 102 overseas), 72 technology transfers, and 254 cases of commercialization over the past five years. Notable achievements include the localization of hemodialysis filters, which were previously fully imported, and the development of the world’s first AI-based stroke diagnostic support software. The government plans to continue full-cycle R&D support through this follow-up program to ensure these achievements are sustained. To that end, the four ministries held a joint briefing session on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at the President Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, to present details of the program’s second phase. The session aimed to improve understanding among researchers from industry, academia, research institutes, and medical institutions and to encourage active participation. It covered the program’s main features, participation guidelines for 2026 projects, and key schedules, followed by a Q&A session and on-site feedback. The government emphasized that this initiative is a cross-ministerial collaboration to support the development of advanced medical devices as a national growth driver and reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing communication with researchers to reflect their input and ensure the program’s successful implementation. date2025-11-06

Korea Launches K-Quantum Industry Alliance to Accelerate Commercialization

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) held the launch event for the “K-Quantum Industry Alliance” on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at Lotte Hotel Seoul. The event was attended by Vice Minister Moon Shin-hak, Rep. Lee Eon-ju, a Supreme Council Member of the Democratic Party of Korea, and about 150 participants from quantum technology suppliers and user companies, universities, research institutes, financial institutions, and support organizations. This launch marks an important step toward shifting Korea’s quantum technology ecosystem from research-institute-led R&D to industry-driven application and expansion. Participating companies, universities, financial institutions, and support organizations signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to cooperate closely in promoting the industrialization of quantum technology. The MOU covers key areas such as developing industry-specific use cases, improving standards and regulations, and supporting global expansion.   Overview of the K-Quantum Industry Alliance MOU Date & Venue: November 5, 2025 (Wed) / Garnet Suite, Lotte Hotel Seoul Participants (34 organizations in total): User Companies: Samsung Electronics, Hyundai Motor, Hanwha Ocean, Samsung Biologics, Hyosung Advanced Materials, LIG Nex1, EcoPro, JW Holdings Suppliers: Taihan Fiberoptics, Wooriro, Wooshin Technical Research, MICROINFINITY, Withwave, Korea Advanced Materials, SDT, PharmCADD, QuantumKelvin Universities: GIST, Pai Chai University, Yonsei University, Jeonbuk National University Financial Institutions: KB Kookmin Bank, Shinhan Bank, Hana Bank, IBK Industrial Bank of Korea, Korea Technology Finance Corporation, Korea Credit Guarantee Fund, POSCO Investment Support Organizations: KOTRA, KIAT, KEIT, KTL, Korea Industry Alliance Forum, Korea Quantum Association  Main Agenda: Joint efforts to identify new projects and policy proposals, develop industry use cases, foster talent, and support global expansion   In addition, MOTIR announced the Quantum Technology Industrialization Project, which aims to localize key quantum components and materials, including superconducting quantum processing unit (QPU) packaging and cryocoolers. The ministry will also expand quantum software development and verification to address industrial challenges. It will establish a quantum-supercomputing integrated platform with hands-on training programs linking academia and industry, enabling companies to design and apply quantum models directly.   date2025-11-06

Korea Hosts “Global Certification Trend 2025” to Support Consumer Goods Exporters

The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS, President Kim Dae-ja) under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) hosted the “Global Certification Trend 2025” event on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at the SETEC Convention Center. The event was co-hosted with the Overseas Certification Support Network and major global certification bodies. The European Union has established the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) to promote global environmental protection, including the introduction of Digital Product Passports (DPPs) for textile products. The Cyber Resilience Act will also strengthen security requirements for digital products and mandate related certifications. Both measures are set to take effect in 2027. Meanwhile, Indonesia plans to make halal certification mandatory for food and cosmetics beginning in October 2026, and India is set to introduce BIS certification for machinery and electrical equipment in September 2026 to enhance industrial safety—reflecting a broader trend of tightening certification systems across emerging markets. The event was designed to help Korean companies prepare for these evolving global technical regulations and certification systems by providing updates on the latest certification trends in the United States, the EU, and emerging markets, focusing on consumer goods such as cosmetics, food, and textiles. It also introduced comprehensive export-support programs offered by organizations including KOTRA and the Korea International Trade Association (KITA) to assist companies in developing export strategies for the coming year. In his keynote address, Professor Sung Yun-mo of Chung-Ang University presented on “Response Strategies for Korean Exporters Amid Global Trade Environment Changes,” outlining strategies for maintaining export competitiveness amid tightening trade regulations in major economies such as the U.S. and the EU. KATS President Kim Dae-ja stated, “Countries around the world are continuously strengthening their technical regulations and certification systems to protect their environment, safety, and industries. We will continue to strengthen overseas certification support services to help Korean exporters navigate complex certification procedures more efficiently and achieve greater export success.” date2025-11-05

190th CEO Forum for Mid-Sized Enterprises

Kim Jung-kwan, Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources, attended the 190th CEO Forum for Mid-Sized Enterprises held at the Grand Hyatt Seoul in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, on Monday, November 3, 2025. The event was attended by around 100 participants, including Choi Jin-shik, Chairman of the Federation of Middle Market Enterprises of Korea, as well as CEOs and executives from mid-sized enterprises. Minister Kim delivered a keynote speech on the theme “The New Age of Exploration.” date2025-11-05

17th Chemical Industry Day Ceremony

Vice Minister Moon Shin-hak of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources attended the 17th Chemical Industry Day ceremony held at The Plaza Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, on Friday, October 31, 2025. The event brought together Korea Chemical Industry Association Chairman Shin Hak-cheol, along with representatives from related companies, petrochemical industry professionals, and award recipients. After delivering congratulatory remarks, Vice Minister Moon presented a total of 42 government commendations, including the Silver Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit awarded to Kumho Petrochemical CEO Baek Jong-hoon for his contributions to the advancement of Korea’s chemical industry. date2025-11-05

5th Battery Industry Day Ceremony

Vice Minister Moon Shin-hak of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources attended the 5th Battery Industry Day ceremony held at Josun Palace Seoul in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on Thursday, October 30, 2025.    The event was attended by People Power Party lawmaker Kim Sung-won; Kim Dong-myung, Chairman of the Korea Battery Industry Association and CEO of LG Energy Solution; and Choi Joong-kyung, Chairman of the Korea–America Association, as well as representatives from related organizations, companies, and battery industry awardees.    Following his congratulatory remarks, Vice Minister Moon presented 20 government commendations to individuals who contributed to the advancement of the battery industry, including the Silver Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit awarded to Park Zin, Executive Vice President of Samsung SDI. date2025-11-05

Invest KOREA Conference

Vice Minister Moon Shin-hak of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources attended the Invest KOREA Conference held on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas in Gangnam-gu, Seoul.    The event brought together Invest KOREA CEO Kim Tae Hyung, along with representatives from government agencies, local governments, 300 foreign investors and media outlets, leading Korean and global companies, foreign chambers of commerce, and embassies.    Vice Minister Moon delivered congratulatory remarks at the event date2025-11-05

MOTIR and The Korea Society Explore Ways to Strengthen Korea–U.S. Cooperation

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) announced that Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo met with Thomas Byrne, President of The Korea Society, in Seoul on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, to exchange views on ways to enhance Korea–U.S. economic cooperation. Established in 1957, The Korea Society is a U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting mutual understanding and cooperation between Korea and the United States through a wide range of policy forums, seminars, and educational programs across politics, economics, culture, and education. Trade Minister Yeo highlighted that Korea has been actively supporting the revitalization of U.S. manufacturing and job creation through large-scale greenfield investments, and has established itself as a major importer of U.S. energy and agricultural products such as LNG and crude oil. He underscored the close trade and investment ties between both countries and noted that implementing the USD 150 billion in direct investment plans announced by Korean companies in August 2025, along with the USD 350 billion strategic investment MOU reached as part of the Korea–U.S. tariff negotiations on October 29, 2025, would further strengthen bilateral industrial supply chains. Trade Minister Yeo also conveyed Korean companies’ concerns over the recent detention of Korean workers at a plant in Georgia, urging President Byrne to help ensure that such incidents do not recur. He requested The Korea Society’s support in developing fundamental solutions, emphasizing the need to ensure smooth entry and stable investment conditions for Korean business personnel in the short term, and to establish a new visa category in the longer term. date2025-11-04

Governments and Industry Leaders from Six Major Semiconductor-Producing Economies Gather in Busan

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) announced that the 26th Government/Authorities Meeting on Semiconductors (GAMS) will be held in Busan from Tuesday, November 4 to Thursday, November 6, 2025. Korea will chair this year’s meeting, presided over by Choi Woo-hyuk, Director General for Advanced Industry Policy at MOTIR. The meeting will bring together around 100 participants, including director-general–level officials and industry leaders from member economies. Overview of GAMS Established in 1999 based on a joint statement by the four founding members—Korea, the United States, Japan, and the European Union—GAMS later added Taiwan (2000) and China (2006) as associate members. The annual meeting rotates among member economies and reviews the outcomes and policy recommendations of the World Semiconductor Council (WSC), which represents the global semiconductor industry, and discusses relevant government policy responses. GAMS sessions begin with reports from the WSC on its activities and policy proposals, followed by intergovernmental consultations and the adoption of a Chair’s Statement. This year, the WSC has proposed major agenda items including semiconductor policy trends, environmental protection (PFAS regulations and greenhouse gas reduction efforts), HS code revisions for semiconductor products, and intellectual property protection. During the three-day event, the six participating economies will also hold bilateral meetings to exchange views on key semiconductor issues and conduct in-depth discussions on other related matters. In his keynote address, Director General Choi stated, “With the rapid development of artificial intelligence driving a sharp increase in global semiconductor demand, ensuring a stable semiconductor supply chain has become more critical than ever.” He added, “As a leading semiconductor-producing country, Korea will demonstrate strong leadership as this year’s GAMS chair to promote close cooperation among major economies.” date2025-11-04

Korea to Lead Development of International Standards for Core Equipment Used in Eco-Friendly Fuel Ships

Korea will take the lead in developing international standards to ensure the safety and efficiency of equipment used in eco-friendly fuel ships powered by ammonia and hydrogen. The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS, President Kim Dae-ja) under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) announced that it will propose two new international standards at the ISO/TC 8/SC 3 Piping and Machinery Subcommittee Meeting being held in Busan from November 3 to 6, 2025. Global shipbuilders are developing vessels powered by eco-friendly fuels such as ammonia and hydrogen in response to greenhouse gas reduction regulations set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Building on its strengths in the shipbuilding sector, Korea is leading efforts to standardize core equipment for eco-friendly fuel ships. At this meeting, KATS plans to propose international standards for “Test Procedures for Valves and Heat Exchangers for Ammonia-Fueled Ships.” Once adopted, the proposed international standards for these core components are expected to significantly strengthen Korea’s global competitiveness in the ammonia-fueled ship sector, which remains at an early stage of commercialization. Korean marine equipment manufacturers will continue developing international standards for key components of eco-friendly fuel ships, including piping systems and storage tanks. KATS President Kim Dae-ja stated, “It is highly meaningful for Korea to lead the development of core technology standards for future vessels in line with the global push for carbon neutrality. We will continue to strengthen Korea’s standardization capabilities in eco-friendly alternative fuel ship technology to support the competitiveness of our shipbuilding and marine equipment industries in the global market.” date2025-11-04