Ministry of Trade Industry and Resources

Korea Ramps Up Public–Private Cooperation to Turn Carbon Neutrality into a Driver of Industrial Growth

The Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) and the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment (MCEE, Minister Kim Sung-whan) held an industry roundtable on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, to discuss Korea’s finalized 2035 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and government support measures for industrial carbon neutrality. Approved by the Cabinet on November 11, 2025, the 2035 NDC commits Korea to reduce net emissions by 53.0–61.0 percent below 2018 levels, with the industrial sector required to reduce emissions by 24.3–31.0 percent. Addressing industry concerns that these ambitious targets may increase compliance burdens, the government explained that it will operate the Emissions Trading System (ETS) using the lower bound of the reduction targets (overall emissions: 53.0 percent, industry emissions: 24.3 percent) to minimize the burden. It also discussed relief measures permitted under current regulations, such as eligible offsets and additional allowance allocations. MOTIR outlined its key initiatives for 2026, which include launching a large-scale “Industry GX Plus” R&D program worth over KRW 5 trillion to develop industrial carbon-neutral technologies; supporting incentive-based facility upgrades through auctions and voluntary agreements; and actively promoting efficient and tangible support policies, such as large enterprise–SME carbon partnerships. Beginning in 2026, MCEE will also strengthen support for large-scale reduction projects by major emitters; review the introduction of Carbon Contracts for Difference (CCfD), which are currently being implemented in Europe, after 2027; and attract more private capital into carbon-neutral investments by offering additional interest rate incentives for projects with substantial mitigation outcomes. Park Dong-il, Director General for Industrial Policy at MOTIR, emphasized that “the 2035 NDC can serve as a pivotal opportunity for Korean industries to transition toward low-carbon, high value-added Green Transformation, and the government will provide active support to ensure this shift.”  Ahn Se-chang, Director General for Climate and Energy Policy at MCEE, noted that “the 2035 NDC is not just a reduction commitment but also a blueprint for Korea’s future economic growth. We will spare no effort in providing large-scale support to ensure its successful implementation across industries.” The government will actively gather industry feedback through sector-specific roundtables and finalize a whole-of-government “K-GX Strategy” in the first half of 2026. date2025-11-25

Promising Materials, Parts, and Equipment Firms Climb the Growth Ladder Through Global Investment

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) held the Global Investor IR Day event on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at The Westin Seoul Parnas. The event brought together around 150 participants, including representatives from eight domestic and global investment institutions—such as LB Investment and Korea Investment Partners—as well as 94 Korean materials, parts, and equipment (MPE) companies. Overview of Global Investor IR Day Date and Venue: Tuesday, November 25, 2025, 10:30–16:30 / LL Floor, The Westin Seoul Parnas Key Participants: MOTIR Director General for Trade and Investment; Park Ki-ho, Chairman of the Korea Core Industrial Technology Investment Association; eight domestic and global investors, including LB Investment, Korea Investment Partners, IMM Investment, Woori Venture Partners, SBI Investment, TEL VC, STIC Ventures, and NAU IB Capital; and 94 Korean MPE companies including PLAIF and Sealink, totaling approximately 150 participants Program: Investment-strategy presentations by participating institutions and one-on-one pitching sessions between domestic and global investors and Korean companies The event was organized to support promising Korean MPE companies—many of which possess strong technological capabilities but face difficulties securing capital—by facilitating investment matching with domestic and global private equity funds, venture capital firms, and other private investors. The first Global Investor IR Day, held on October 31, 2025, alongside the Invest KOREA Summit 2025, resulted in USD 50 million in matched investment commitments for six Korean MPE firms. MOTIR has steadily strengthened its policy foundation through support for technology development and commercialization, and this event serves as a practical support program that directly connects private capital with innovative companies, helping to bridge the funding gap for growth-stage firms. Notably, the event drew strong investor interest in leading MPE technology companies such as PLAIF, an AI-powered autonomous dual-arm robot-solutions company participating in the K-Humanoid Alliance aimed at commercializing Korean humanoid robots, and Sealink, which developed an eco-friendly sealing device for semiconductor equipment through a MOTIR R&D project—challenging the paradigm in a field previously dominated by Japanese companies. During the event, investors shared their investment strategies, focus areas, and market outlooks, and held one-on-one meetings to conduct in-depth reviews of each company’s technological capabilities, market potential, business models, and revenue prospects. They also agreed to continue follow-up discussions with the companies after the event to build ongoing relationships. In his congratulatory remarks, Kang Gam-chan, Director General for Trade and Investment at MOTIR, stated, “For growth-stage companies, securing timely capital for R&D, facility investment, and overseas expansion is absolutely critical. The government will continue working to ensure that companies that have achieved technological innovation through national R&D programs, as well as promising firms that play key roles in supply chains, can obtain the financing they need at each stage of their growth.” date2025-11-25

SNU and M.AX Alliance to Jointly Develop AI Models for Humanoids, Autonomous Vehicles, and AI Factories

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) and Seoul National University (SNU, President Ryu Hong-lim) signed an MOU on November 24, 2025, to strengthen cooperation between SNU and the M.AX Alliance. Launched by MOTIR and the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) in September 2025, the M.AX Alliance includes more than 1,000 participating organizations, including Samsung Electronics, Hyundai Motor Company, and Rainbow Robotics. MOTIR previously announced that through the Alliance, the government aims to innovate manufacturing processes and foster new industries such as humanoids, generating more than KRW 100 trillion in added value by 2030 and positioning Korea as a global leader in Manufacturing AX. SNU to Fully Participate in the M.AX Alliance With this MOU, SNU is expected to begin fully participating in the M.AX Alliance’s core programs, particularly in AI model development, manufacturing data utilization, and talent development. ❶ SNU will jointly develop AI models for humanoids, autonomous vehicles, and AI factories with manufacturing companies in the Alliance. The companies will provide SNU with the data and platforms—including robots, vehicles, and factories—needed for developing AI models in each field. The developed AI models will then be supplied back to the companies for integration into their products and factories. MOTIR recently launched related R&D projects to support this initiative. ❷ SNU and the M.AX Alliance will cooperate on manufacturing data utilization. The two will develop a plan by early 2026 for the joint use of manufacturing data secured through their respective R&D activities and projects such as the AI Factory. The plan will outline methods for preprocessing, standardizing, and anonymizing data for use in AI model development and demonstration. To support this, MOTIR will develop and implement a program in 2026 to establish and operate a manufacturing data repository. ❸ SNU and the Alliance will also work closely on talent development. MOTIR will leverage industry–academia cooperation projects and talent development programs to create opportunities for outstanding SNU students to participate in Alliance activities. Under the MOU, the SNU Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation will select promising students and provide them with opportunities to participate in R&D projects and internship programs within the Alliance. Next Steps Following the MOU, SNU and MOTIR will expand discussions through one-on-one collaboration between SNU’s six specialized research institutes and corresponding M.AX Alliance subcommittees. Minister JK (Jung-Kwan) Kim stated, “Once the world-class manufacturing capabilities of M.AX Alliance companies combine with SNU’s creative research and outstanding talent, the vision of becoming the world’s leading Manufacturing AX nation will be well within reach.” date2025-11-24

Korea and Tajikistan Discuss Expanding Economic Cooperation

Park Jung-sung, Deputy Minister for Trade at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim), met with Nazar Aziz Savzali, Deputy Minister of Industry and New Technologies of the Republic of Tajikistan, on November 24, 2025, at the Korea Trade Insurance Corporation in Seoul to discuss expanding bilateral economic cooperation in trade and investment, official development assistance (ODA), and critical mineral supply chains. The Tajik delegation also included Abdugaffor Jamolzoda, Deputy Director of the Export Agency, and Shamsullo Khairullozoda, Deputy Minister of Finance. During the meeting, the two sides noted the steady growth in bilateral trade but agreed on the need to diversify exports beyond automobiles. They also discussed expanding industrial cooperation through MOTIR’s ODA programs in areas such as textiles and solar power, as well as strengthening cooperation on critical mineral supply chains in Tajikistan.  The Tajik delegation expressed interest in benchmarking Korea’s export promotion and industrial site development policies to expand bilateral trade and investment, and requested more active communication, including the sharing of best practices. The Korean side agreed on the importance of strengthening exchanges and cooperation. Deputy Minister Park said, “Tajikistan is one of Korea’s key economic partners in Central Asia. We will continue to advance bilateral cooperation through various policy initiatives in areas such as trade, investment, and development cooperation.” date2025-11-24

Korea Sets New January–October Auto Export Record

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) announced on November 20 that Korea’s cumulative automobile exports for January–October 2025 reached an all-time high of USD 59.6 billion, driven by strong eco-friendly vehicle performance. However, automobile exports in October, as well as domestic sales and production, declined year-on-year due to a reduction in working days. October automobile exports fell 10.5 percent year-on-year to $5.6 billion. Despite the shorter working period, eco-friendly vehicle exports rose 2.3 percent to $2.0 billion, supported by a 13.4 percent increase in hybrid-vehicle shipments, which offset a 7.3 percent decline in electric-vehicle (EV) exports. Domestic automobile sales decreased 12.8 percent year-on-year to 127,000 units. EV sales rose 56.1 percent, and hydrogen-vehicle sales surged 140.2 percent, continuing their recovery trend. Domestic EV sales had already set a new annual record in September, and this figure is expected to continue rising through year-end. Sales of imported vehicles also increased, driven by strong EV demand and a base effect from weak sales in October last year. Automobile production in October declined 17.6 percent year-on-year to 303,000 units, reflecting the overall reduction in working days. date2025-11-20

Amkor Korea Launches Investment in High-Tech Semiconductor Packaging and Testing

Kang Gam-chan, Director General for Trade and Investment at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim), attended the groundbreaking ceremony for Amkor Technology Korea’s new semiconductor test facility in Songdo, Incheon, on Wednesday, November 19, 2025.  Amkor Technology traces its origins to Anam Industrial, Korea’s first company to enter the semiconductor industry in 1968. After overcoming the 1997 Asian financial crisis through investment from the U.S., the company has grown into a leading global specialist in semiconductor packaging and testing technologies. Amkor Korea plans to build three production lines and install new equipment to secure mass-production packaging capabilities and testing technologies for AI semiconductors. The company also aims to expand cooperation with domestic semiconductor materials, parts, and equipment suppliers to strengthen Korea’s AI semiconductor ecosystem. This groundbreaking is particularly meaningful as it represents a tangible outcome less than one month after global companies announced investment plans at the “Global Investor Partnership” event during APEC 2025 on October 29. Following the Songdo facility expansion, Amkor Technology plans to pursue additional investment in its packaging plant in Gwangju, contributing to balanced regional development. In his congratulatory remarks, Director General Kang thanked Amkor for its bold decision to invest in Korea amid intensifying global competition for semiconductor leadership. He stated, “We hope Amkor Korea’s investment will signal further investment expansion by global companies in Korea.” He emphasized that “the Korean government will ensure that the investment commitments made by global companies during APEC are implemented smoothly by expanding cash-grant support, strengthening location and taxation incentives, and improving regulatory frameworks.” date2025-11-20

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