Ministry of Trade Industry and Resources

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) held a public hearing on Korea’s participation in the Green Economy Partnership Agreement (GEPA) on July 24, 2026, at the Korea International Trade Association (KITA).
MOTIR convened the hearing under Article 7 of the Act on the Conclusion Procedure and Implementation of Commercial Treaties (the Trade Procedures Act) to gather public input, including from stakeholders and experts, before formulating a plan to pursue the trade agreement.

GEPA is a plurilateral agreement that Singapore, New Zealand, and Chile agreed to pursue on the sidelines of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju in October 2025. It will explore new trade rules for the green economy to prevent countries’ climate measures from becoming unnecessary barriers to trade and promote trade and investment in related sectors.

Singapore, New Zealand, and Chile are at the forefront of developing new trade rules and also jointly launched the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA). Korea's participation in GEPA is expected to be significant, as it would allow Korea to establish new trade rules together with these countries while proactively reflecting the circumstances and interests of Korean industry.

“There is a growing need to develop new trade rules that ensure trade-related environmental measures are transparent and science-based while improving regulatory coherence across countries,” said Kim Jang-hee, Director General for Emerging Trade Strategy and Policy of MOTIR, in his opening remarks as chair of the hearing.

“We will develop a thorough plan for pursuing the agreement so that climate action and the growth of green markets strengthen the competitiveness of Korean industry and create new export opportunities.”

Taking comprehensive account of the input received at the hearing, MOTIR will, in accordance with the Trade Procedures Act, proceed with the domestic procedures for Korea to participate in GEPA negotiations.