Ministry of Trade Industry and Resources

Korea–U.S. to Strengthen Supply Chain Cooperation Through Standardization

The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS, President Kim Dae-ja) under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) held the 5th Korea–U.S. Standards Forum on Thursday, December 4, at The Shilla Seoul. The event brought together more than 60 experts from the two countries’ public and private sectors, including the President of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), representatives from the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and Microsoft. At the forum, Korea and the U.S. presented recent standardization trends in advanced industries, including AI, future mobility, semiconductors, and quantum technology. Experts then gathered in subcommittee meetings to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation and lead international standardization efforts. Prior to the forum, KATS and ANSI held their regular bilateral meeting on Wednesday, December 3, to share their five-year national standardization strategies and discuss practical cooperation measures—including enhanced collaboration within international bodies such as ISO and IEC. The forum provided an opportunity to discuss technology standards cooperation that supports the expansion of Korea–U.S. industrial collaboration, following the recent signing of the Strategic Trade and Investment Deal. Both sides affirmed that standards ensuring the interoperability and reliability of advanced technologies are essential to competitiveness and agreed to reinforce joint efforts in global standardization. President Kim Dae-ja of KATS stated, “Strengthening Korea–U.S. standards cooperation in AI, future mobility, and other advanced technologies will generate meaningful synergies in industrial and supply chain cooperation.” He added, “The government will continue expanding standards cooperation with major countries to bolster the global competitiveness of Korean industries.” date2025-12-04

MND, MSIT, MOTIR, and MSS Join Forces to Accelerate AI Transformation (AX) Across Defense and Industry

The Ministry of National Defense (MND, Minister Ahn Gyu-baek) held the inaugural 2025 Defense AI Ecosystem Development Forum at the Grand Hyatt Seoul on Wednesday, December 3. The event was designed to strengthen government-wide governance for cooperation on defense AI and to build momentum for major defense AI programs planned for 2026, bringing together senior government officials and about 500 representatives from AI-related private companies. The program featured sessions on Korea’s defense AX strategy, mid- to long-term plans for defense–ICT cooperation, MOTIR’s defense AX strategy and support initiatives, support programs for defense-innovation startups, and briefings on defense AI requirements for 2026. Participants discussed future directions and challenges for defense AI and developed a shared understanding of areas for practical cooperation. During the forum, the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT, Minister Bae Kyung-hoon), the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister Kim Jung-kwan), and the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS, Minister Han Seong-sook) joined MND in announcing the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to accelerate AI transformation (AX) across the defense and industrial sectors. Under the MOU, the ministries will leverage sovereign AI foundation models to cooperate on AX innovation; identify defense AI needs; provide testbed opportunities for real-world validation; support access to defense R&D infrastructure; develop core AI technologies and related infrastructure; expand cross-sector utilization in defense, industry, and the public sector; foster AI talent; broaden the application of defense and manufacturing AI technologies within national defense; and discover and scale startups and SMEs in the defense AX domain. As global security conditions evolve amid the rapid adoption of AI—including intelligent command-and-control, unmanned and autonomous systems, and automated defense operations—the agreement brings together the expertise of MSIT, MOTIR, and MSS to promote cohesive and interconnected AX policies across the defense and industrial sectors. The agreement establishes a full AX collaboration pipeline among government agencies, from securing core AX technologies and enabling real-world validation in the defense sector to supporting industrial deployment and adoption by startups and SMEs. These efforts are expected to accelerate AX across defense and industry, strengthen defense-industry competitiveness, and support the development of a more advanced and trusted defense force. Minister Kim Jung-kwan of MOTIR stated, “In an era where advanced technologies such as AI shape both security and economic competitiveness, expanding AX in the defense sector is no longer optional but essential. Building on the strong trilateral foundation of AI, manufacturing, and defense, MOTIR will identify demand for dual-use AI technologies through M.AX (Manufacturing AX) and provide targeted support. Beginning next year, we will advance the AX Sprint Program to help create an AX market in the defense industry, and we will work closely with the military to strengthen real-world validation for AI-embodied next-generation weapons. Through these efforts, MOTIR will actively support the establishment of a robust defense AI ecosystem.” date2025-12-03

Korea and France Discuss Trade Issues and Industrial Cooperation in Critical Minerals and EVs

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) held the 20th Korea–France Industrial Cooperation Committee meeting on Wednesday, December 3, in Sejong, chaired by Park Jung-sung, Deputy Minister for Trade. Deputy Minister Park met with Thomas Courbe, Director General for Enterprises (DGE) at the French Ministry of Economy and Finance, to discuss bilateral cooperation in industry and supply chains and to exchange views on key trade issues related to France and the EU. France is Korea’s third-largest trading partner within the EU, with bilateral trade reaching USD 13.7 billion in 2024. Both exports and imports have increased over the past five years, further deepening economic interdependence. Since the 1990s, the two countries have maintained longstanding government-level cooperation channels—such as the Industrial Cooperation Committee and the Korea–France Forum on Innovative Industries—while private-sector collaboration has also expanded in advanced industries, including automobiles and batteries. The two sides reviewed policies and recent developments related to bilateral cooperation, critical minerals, electric vehicles, and batteries, and discussed ways to deepen cooperation. They underscored the importance of close policy dialogue to strengthen competitiveness in advanced industries. The Korean side also conveyed concerns that the EU Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR), the EU’s proposed new steel import measures, and France’s electric vehicle subsidy scheme may act as trade barriers between Korea and the EU by protecting domestic industries. Korea highlighted the need to pursue Korea–EU negotiations on steel TRQs in a cooperative spirit and to establish a more reasonable methodology for calculating carbon-emission factors under France’s EV subsidy program. MOTIR stated that the meeting provided an opportunity to reinforce Korea–France cooperation and discuss key trade issues in depth. The Ministry added that it will continue engaging with France and the EU through high-level and working-level channels to follow up on the issues discussed. date2025-12-03

MOTIR Reveals Ceramic R&D Roadmap to Boost Competitiveness of Key Materials for Advanced Industries

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister Kim Jung-kwan) held a meeting with ceramic companies on Wednesday, December 3, at the Korea Planning & Evaluation Institute of Industrial Technology (KEIT) under the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI). At the meeting, MOTIR revealed the “Ceramic R&D Roadmap,” which aims to enhance the high added value of Korea’s ceramic industry and stabilize its supply chain. The government plans to utilize the Roadmap to systematically support the strategic development of ceramic technologies and the advancement of the industry’s foundation. The Roadmap is structured around four strategic pillars and comprises 46 key tasks across 12 priority fields. These include meeting demand from next-generation leading industries (AI, semiconductors, and displays); enhancing the high durability of ceramics (semiconductors, next-generation telecommunications, defense and aviation, and hydrogen technologies); improving reliability for use in energy and eco-friendly sectors (secondary batteries, advanced biotechnology, and future mobility); and upgrading the base of the ceramic industry (refractories, cement, and glass). The Roadmap outlines measures to strengthen both advanced ceramics and traditional ceramic industries, with the goal of enhancing competitiveness in a balanced manner across the sector. To facilitate early market entry of newly developed technologies, the government will provide follow-up support, including the establishment of commercialization testbeds and assistance with intellectual property (IP) strategies for global market expansion. For systematic implementation, MOTIR will allocate approximately KRW 100 billion in funding through 2030 by leveraging the Materials, Parts, and Components Technology Development Project, new budget allocations, and contributions to the Korea Institute of Ceramic Engineering & Technology. Experts from industry, academia, and research institutes emphasized that “securing core ceramic technologies is fundamental to strengthening industry competitiveness and stabilizing the national supply chain,” adding that “continuous management is required to ensure that the newly announced R&D Roadmap reflects global trends in a timely manner.” Na Sung-hwa, Director General for Industrial Supply Chain Policy at MOTIR, noted that “this R&D Roadmap marks an important start for elevating the competitiveness of the ceramic industry. As global uncertainties continue to rise, technological self-reliance and supply chain stabilization in the ceramic sector are not optional, but essential.” She stated, “MOTIR will continue to incorporate expert feedback and global technological developments into future updates of the R&D Roadmap to build a stable and robust ecosystem for the ceramic industry.” date2025-12-03

KATS to Host the International AI Standards Summit With ISO, IEC, and ITU

The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS, President Kim Dae-ja) under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) announced that Korea will host the 2025 International AI Standards Summit from December 2 to 3 at The Shilla Seoul. The event will be organized in partnership with the world’s three leading international standards bodies—the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). With the rapid progress of AI, issues surrounding human rights violations, AI safety and reliability, and fragmented global standards have emerged as major international challenges. In response, the United Nations established the Artificial Intelligence Advisory Body (AIAB) and tasked it with preparing recommendations for AI governance. In its final report published in September 2024, “Governing AI for Humanity,” AIAB outlined seven key recommendations, including a proposal to convene a global AI standards summit. Following this, ISO, IEC, and ITU agreed to jointly launch the International AI Standards Summit and designated Korea in October 2024 as the host of the inaugural event. The summit will bring together senior leadership from the three organizations—ISO President Cho Sung Hwan, IEC President Jo Cops, and ITU Deputy Secretary-General Tomas Lamanauskas—as well as high-ranking representatives from major international bodies. Participants include Jean-Marie Paugam, Deputy Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO); Andrew Staines, Assistant Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO); and Bjørn Berge, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe. More than 300 C-suite executives from global companies, including Google, Microsoft, Huawei, and Alibaba, as well as Korean companies such as Samsung, LG, Naver, Kakao, and Hyundai Mobis, will also join discussions on the future of global AI standardization. Held under the theme “Standards Shaping the AI World,” the summit will highlight the central role of international standards in ensuring safe and responsible use of AI across industry, government, and society. Over the two-day program, participants will discuss strategic priorities for international AI standardization, global cooperation models, and approaches to responsible AI governance. At the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok will deliver welcoming remarks, after which ISO, IEC, and ITU will issue the Seoul Statement on Artificial Intelligence (AI)—their first collective action to implement the UN’s recommendations. The Statement outlines the following four principal directions for global AI standardization, establishing shared norms for the safe and equitable use of AI. First, AI standards should address not only technical aspects but also the broader impacts of technology on people, society, and the environment. Second, safeguards to protect human rights—particularly against risks such as privacy violations and discrimination—must be strengthened within international AI standards. Third, AI standards must be fair and reliable global norms developed through the participation of governments, businesses, researchers, and civil society rather than being shaped by any single country or exclusive group of experts. Fourth, public-private partnerships should expand AI education and training to help narrow AI utilization gaps between countries and societies, allowing all to prepare effectively for the AI era. KATS President Kim Dae-ja noted, “AI standards are more than technical specifications. They are the basis of trust that enables people to use AI safely.” He added, “Building on this summit, the government will make every effort to position Korea as a global hub that leads AI standardization.” date2025-12-02

MOTIR Explores Ways to Expand Korea–Central Asia Economic Cooperation

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister Kim Jung-kwan) held the 5th Central Asia Policy Forum at Lotte Hotel World in Seoul on Tuesday, December 2, attended by more than 50 representatives from the government, relevant organizations and associations, companies operating in Central Asia, and academia. This Forum was organized to discuss ways to translate cooperation prospects into tangible outcomes in light of Central Asia’s potential in supply chains grounded in key resources such as energy and minerals, its strategic value as a logistics hub in the Eurasian region, and complementary industrial structures of Korea and Central Asia.  In his opening remarks, Park Jung-sung, Deputy Minister for Trade at MOTIR, noted that “Central Asia is an essential partner in strengthening Korea’s competitiveness in advanced industries and securing strategic resources.” He added that “the government will develop cooperation models tailored to each country’s needs, with a focus on deepening supply chain partnerships for critical minerals, expanding cooperation in energy and plant projects, and improving the investment environment.” He also emphasized that “today’s forum serves as an important milestone in preparing for next year’s inaugural Korea–Central Asia Summit while helping elevate bilateral cooperation to a new stage.” On this occasion, MOTIR presented ministerial commendations to three individuals who contributed to advancing Korea–Central Asia trade cooperation: Lee Dong-eun, Principal Researcher at the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT); Kim Bum-sung, Principal Researcher at the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH); and Rukhullo Zikrillaev, Counsellor at the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the Republic of Korea. date2025-12-02

Korea–Serbia Hold First Official CEPA Negotiations

Amid rising global protectionism, the stability of supply chains and access to emerging markets have become increasingly important for Korean companies. Against this backdrop, the first official round of negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Korea and Serbia—an EU candidate country and a growing manufacturing and logistics hub in the Balkan region—will be held in Seoul from Monday, December 1, to Thursday, December 4. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister Kim Jung-kwan) announced that more than 60 delegates from both countries will participate in the negotiations. Korea will be represented by Son Ho-young, Acting Director-General for FTA Negotiations, and Serbia by Olivera Jocic, Acting Assistant Minister at the Ministry of Internal and Foreign Trade, who will serve as chief negotiators. During this first round, the two sides will discuss ten areas, including tariff concessions, rules of origin, customs procedures, and economic cooperation. Following the September 2024 declaration launching the negotiations, the two governments conducted prior consultations to align the structure of the agreement and the main scope of the discussions. As a result, this round is expected to deliver substantive progress, including setting the scope and level of market opening. Acting Director-General Son stated, “Serbia is a strategic gateway linking markets adjacent to the EU with the Balkan region. With more Korean companies entering Serbia in areas such as electric vehicles, batteries, and renewable energy, a CEPA with Serbia will play an important role in improving market access and mitigating supply chain risks for Korean businesses.” He added, “The government will work to ensure swift and substantive progress in the negotiations.” date2025-12-01

Korea and Canada Discuss Economic and Trade Issues, Including Canada’s Steel TRQ Measures

Park Jung-sung, Deputy Minister for Trade at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister Kim Jung-kwan), met with Alexandra Dostal, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister for the Strategy and Innovation Policy Sector at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), in Seoul on Monday, December 1. The two officials discussed key economic and trade issues between Korea and Canada. Deputy Minister Park expressed strong regret over Canada’s announcement on Wednesday, November 26, to tighten its steel tariff rate quota (TRQ) regime. Under this measure, Canada will reduce the steel import quota allocated to its FTA partners, including Korea, from 100 percent to 75 percent of their 2024 import volumes and impose a 25 percent tariff on steel derivative products. He urged Canada to withdraw the measures swiftly. Deputy Minister Park stressed that “these measures are highly likely to violate trade laws and run counter to the spirit of the Ottawa Group, which Canada leads as a champion of the rules-based multilateral trading system.” He further noted concerns that the measures could have serious implications for Korean companies’ ongoing or planned investments in Canada. He asked that Canada take particular care to avoid undermining opportunities for potential economic and strategic cooperation between the two countries. Deputy Minister Park also noted that Korea and Canada have substantial cooperation potential across a wide range of sectors—including defense, AI, automobiles, batteries, critical minerals, and energy—and that Korean businesses have been shortlisted for Canada’s submarine procurement project. He expressed hope that the two countries will continue to advance a reliable and mutually beneficial industrial supply chain, given their long-standing roles as leading defenders of the rules-based trading system. date2025-12-01