Ministry of Trade Industry and Resources

Korea, UAE Build on Special Strategic Partnership to Deepen Cooperation on Crude Oil Supplies, Nuclear Power, and Plant Projects

Minister JK (Jung-Kwan) Kim of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on June 16, concluding a three-country Middle East tour to bolster energy security and economic cooperation. As Korea’s third-largest crude oil supplier, the UAE is the only Middle Eastern nation to hold a Special Strategic Partnership with Korea. During a March visit by the Special Envoy for Strategic and Economic Cooperation, UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan pledged to prioritize crude oil supplies to Korea amid the global energy crisis. Minister Kim's visit aimed to review the implementation of that March agreement and discuss strategic initiatives, including joint oil stockpiling, nuclear energy, and industrial plant projects. Minister Kim met with senior officials, including Musabbeh Al Kaabi, CEO of the Upstream Division at the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC)—a central player in global energy supply chains, where he received confirmation that the 24 million barrels of emergency crude oil pledged by the UAE in March were arriving smoothly on schedule. Minister Kim, throughout his tour, also engaged with high-level UAE officials to discuss long-term resource security cooperation. As a result, both sides agreed to continue talks on joint crude oil stockpiling, a key priority for the UAE. Furthermore, the two sides consulted extensively on cooperation regarding the UAE’s large-scale infrastructure projects—such as pipeline expansions and underground oil storage facilities—designed to establish a supply chain bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. Minister Kim requested the UAE’s active support to aid Korean companies, which possess high-level design, construction, and operational capabilities, secure participation in major plant projects aimed at stabilizing core energy supply chains. Subsequently, Minister Kim met with high-ranking officials from key UAE nuclear energy agencies, including Sharif Salim Al Olama, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. To deepen full-cycle cooperation at the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, both sides reviewed corporate progress and discussed concrete plans regarding △securing stable nuclear fuel supplies, △strengthening plant maintenance, and △expanding artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation (DT) in plant operations. Building on the Barakah model, they also held in-depth discussions on jointly entering strategic global nuclear power markets, focusing on △selecting candidate markets, △establishing cooperation frameworks, △defining corporate roles, and △financial and investment cooperation. In addition, following the May 17 drone attack on power transmission facilities near the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, Korea and the UAE agreed to strengthen information sharing and technical cooperation on nuclear plant protection systems. This serves as a follow-up to a May 21 Ministerial virtual, where both Ministers reviewed repair progress and discussed safety measures for Korean employees working in the region. Minister Kim stated, “The UAE is a vital partner that has steadfastly anchored Korea’s energy supply chains despite Middle Eastern uncertainties. This visit confirmed that our oil cooperation has evolved beyond simple trade into a strategic partnership that functions effectively in any crisis.” He emphasized, “Based on this deep mutual trust, we will advance our strategic partnership by deepening full-lifecycle nuclear cooperation—including operations, maintenance, security, and joint exports to third countries—while expanding opportunities for Korean companies in key plant infrastructure sectors. date2026-06-17

Korea, Qatar Agree to Resume Stable LNG Imports and Expand Cooperation in Advanced Industries

Minister JK (Jung-Kwan) Kim of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) visited Qatar on June 15, 2026, following his June 13–14 visit to Saudi Arabia. The visit was part of his three-country trip to the Middle East to help stabilize crude oil and gas supplies and strengthen economic and trade cooperation amid the conflict in the region. Qatar is Korea’s third-largest LNG supplier. During the April visit to Qatar by the Presidential Special Envoy for Strategic Economic Cooperation, HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of the State of Qatar, assured Korea that Qatar would supply LNG without disruption once the Strait of Hormuz returned to normal operations. Minister Kim’s visit was arranged to reaffirm Qatar’s commitment to giving Korea top priority for LNG supplies and to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation into advanced industries. Minister Kim visited QatarEnergy headquarters and met with H.E. Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, Minister of State for Energy Affairs and President and CEO of QatarEnergy. Minister Al-Kaabi oversees Qatar’s energy policy, including oil and gas resource development and LNG contracts. At the meeting, Minister Kim received a briefing on LNG production facilities and operating conditions at Ras Laffan Industrial City after four force majeure declarations were made following the outbreak of the war in the Middle East. The two sides then discussed cooperation on the gas supply chain amid geopolitical instability in the region. Building on strong mutual trust between the two countries, Minister Kim confirmed Qatar’s unchanged position that it would give Korea top priority for LNG and condensate supplies. He also asked Minister Al-Kaabi to give due consideration to Korean companies with strong technical capabilities and support their participation as new energy plant projects are expected to move forward in earnest once the war ends. On the same day, Minister Kim met with H.E. Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry. The two sides agreed to broaden bilateral cooperation beyond energy into shipbuilding, advanced industries, and other areas. They also discussed cooperation on attracting Qatari investment to Korea’s advanced industries, including AI, biotechnology, and robotics. To strengthen the strategic partnership, the two sides agreed to hold the Korea–Qatar High-Level Strategic Cooperation Committee in Doha at an early date and use the government-wide ministerial channel to make timely progress on specific cooperation projects. “At a time of growing uncertainty in the global landscape, the solid trust and cooperation Korea and Qatar have built are important for reliable energy supplies and resilient global supply chains,” Minister Kim said. “I hope the two countries will build on stable LNG supplies to strengthen energy security, broaden cooperation in future growth areas, including advanced industries and investment cooperation, and continue high-level communication to advance the bilateral partnership.” date2026-06-16

Korea’s ICT Exports Reach Record $47.8 Billion in May

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) and the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Bae Kyung-hoon) announced on June 15, 2026, that Korea’s ICT exports in May 2026 reached USD 47.8 billion, up 128.9 percent year-on-year from $20.9 billion. Imports rose 36.0 percent from $11.5 billion to $15.7 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $32.1 billion. In May 2026, ICT exports topped $40.0 billion for a third straight month for the first time, despite the prolonged conflict in the Middle East, and reached record highs in both export value and year-on-year growth rate. The ICT trade surplus also topped $30.0 billion for the first time. ICT products accounted for more than half, or 54.5 percent, of Korea’s total exports, which stood at $87.8 billion, reinforcing ICT’s role as a key driver of Korea’s exports. By product, exports increased across all major categories: semiconductors (up 169.2 percent), mobile phones (up 15.9 percent), displays (up 2.8 percent), computers and peripherals (up 259.6 percent), and telecommunications equipment (up 3.7 percent). Semiconductor exports stayed above $30.0 billion for a third straight month, supported by continued export growth amid sustained investment in AI servers. Display exports returned to growth on higher demand for OLED panels used in new mobile phone models and solid sales of new laptop models. Mobile phone exports increased as average selling prices rose for high-end finished products and demand remained solid for high-value parts, including camera modules. Computers and peripherals posted record highs for a fourth consecutive month, supported by higher exports of semiconductor-based storage devices, including solid-state drives (SSDs) used in AI servers. Telecommunications equipment exports also increased on solid demand for components shipped to Vietnam and automotive equipment shipped to Mexico. By destination, exports increased in all major markets: the United States (up 254.3 percent), China, including Hong Kong (up 157.3 percent), the European Union (up 53.9 percent), Taiwan (up 95.5 percent), Vietnam (up 90.8 percent), India (up 56.0 percent), and Japan (up 33.2 percent). ICT imports totaled $15.7 billion in May 2026, up 36.0 percent from $11.5 billion a year earlier, as imports increased across most major ICT categories: semiconductors (up 62.6 percent), mobile phones including parts (up 16.0 percent), and computers and peripherals (up 15.5 percent). date2026-06-16

Trade Minister Yeo Meets Deputy Prime Minister Sun to Discuss Korea–Cambodia Economic Cooperation

Minister for Trade Yeo Han-koo of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) met with Sun Chanthol, Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) in Seoul on June 15, 2026. The two sides discussed expanding economic and trade cooperation between Korea and Cambodia.  The meeting was held at Deputy Prime Minister Sun’s request during his visit to Korea for the 2026 Incheon–Cambodia Investment Roadshow, held in Incheon. The two sides exchanged views on a broad range of bilateral economic issues, including the implementation of the Korea–Cambodia Free Trade Agreement (FTA), stronger economic cooperation, official development assistance (ODA), and international greenhouse gas emissions reduction. Minister Yeo welcomed the continued growth in bilateral trade and investment since the Korea–Cambodia FTA entered into force in 2022 and bilateral relations were upgraded to a strategic partnership in 2024. Minister Yeo also shared updates on MOTIR’s ODA projects for Cambodia, including the TASK (Technology Advice and Solutions from Korea) Center Project for Cambodia’s food processing sector, which has been under way since 2023, and the ASEAN Trade Officials Training Program scheduled for the second half of 2026. Deputy Prime Minister Sun said Korea’s ODA projects have contributed significantly to Cambodia’s economic development and expressed hope that they would further strengthen bilateral cooperation. The two sides also reviewed the outcomes of Korea’s first approved international greenhouse gas reduction project in the industrial sector, which was finalized in 2025 with the Cambodian government’s approval. They agreed to strengthen cooperation in future industries, including green technology, building on Cambodia’s commitment to carbon reduction and Korean companies’ technological capabilities. MOTIR will continue working with Cambodia to expand bilateral exchanges and support Korean companies seeking to enter and operate in the Cambodian market. date2026-06-15

Korea and Bangladesh to Hold Fourth Round of CEPA Negotiations

Korea and Bangladesh will hold the fourth round of official negotiations toward a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in Dhaka from June 14 to 19, 2026. The talks come amid a growing need to expand into promising emerging markets and diversify Korea’s export destinations in response to the rapidly changing global trade environment. The Office of Trade Negotiations at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) announced that around 60 delegates from the two countries will attend the negotiations. Korea’s delegation will be led by Park Geun-oh, Director General for Trade Agreement Policy at MOTIR, while Bangladesh’s delegation will be led by Ayesha Akther, Additional Secretary and Head of the Foreign Trade Agreement Wing at the Ministry of Commerce. Since declaring the launch of negotiations in November 2024, the two countries have held three official rounds of talks. In Dhaka, they plan to continue detailed discussions across 11 areas, including tariff concessions, services, and rules of origin, with the aim of building a solid basis for concluding the agreement. Bangladesh is one of South Asia’s key growth markets, with a population of 170 million and a high rate of economic growth. A CEPA with Bangladesh is expected to help Korean companies broaden their export base. As the Bangladeshi government is actively expanding national infrastructure, including power, roads, and aviation, the agreement is also expected to create more opportunities for Korean construction and engineering companies. Bangladesh is scheduled to graduate from least developed country (LDC) status in November 2026 and is pursuing market-opening policies, including accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and free trade agreements with major partners. “Bangladesh is a key South Asian market, with average annual growth of more than 6 percent. A CEPA with Bangladesh is expected to expand Korean companies’ access to the South Asian market,” said Director General Park. “Korea will take a proactive approach to the negotiations so the talks can make swift progress.” date2026-06-15

Korea and Saudi Arabia Strengthen Partnership in Resources and Industry

Minister JK (Jung-Kwan) Kim of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) visited Saudi Arabia from June 13 to 14, 2026, as a follow-up to the April visit to the Middle East by the Presidential Special Envoy for Strategic Economic Cooperation. Saudi Arabia is Korea’s largest crude oil supplier and pledged during the April visit to give priority to supplying crude oil and naphtha to Korea. The visit was arranged to follow up on the crude oil and naphtha supply arrangements and strengthen resource security and industrial cooperation with Saudi Arabia amid the Middle East conflict. Minister Kim first met with Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Energy. The two ministers reviewed progress on the crude oil and naphtha supply arrangements made during the Special Envoy’s April visit and agreed to maintain stable supplies of the planned volumes through the end of 2026. They also signed an MOU on Cooperation in the Crude Oil and Gas sector between Korea and Saudi Arabia to establish a medium- to long-term foundation for resource cooperation beyond short-term supply arrangements. The MOU identifies specific areas for stronger cooperation across energy resources, including oil, gas, and petrochemicals. These include crude oil stockpiling; pipeline infrastructure development; innovation in energy and resource technologies using AI and digital transformation; technology development to improve environmental and economic sustainability; development and use of petrochemical materials; development of appropriate infrastructure to improve access to energy resources; and business-to-business cooperation. Minister Kim also met with Fahad Al-Saif, Minister of Investment, and Bandar Al-Khorayef, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, to review progress on major industrial cooperation projects Korean companies are pursuing in Saudi Arabia. The projects include Hyundai Motor and PIF’s joint vehicle plant in Saudi Arabia, a project expected to deliver tangible results as it begins full-scale mass production in 2027. They also include International Maritime Industries (IMI), a joint shipyard project between HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering and Aramco. IMI is the largest shipyard in the Middle East, covering 4.96 million square meters, or roughly the size of 700 soccer fields. Minister Kim asked the Saudi government to provide active support to ensure timely completion of the projects. Building on successful models in traditional manufacturing, including automobiles and shipbuilding, the two sides agreed to explore new cooperation areas such as minerals. They also agreed to expand future cooperation into advanced industries, including AI. Noting Saudi Arabia’s abundant minerals for advanced industries—including sulfur, phosphate rock, bauxite, and rare earth elements—Korea’s world-class high-purity refining and processing technologies, and strong demand for these minerals in advanced industries, the two sides agreed to pursue full-cycle cooperation spanning mining, refining and processing, and advanced industry development. The two sides agreed to explore cooperation between research institutions in both countries on mineral deposit exploration in Saudi Arabia and the development of national geological information systems. “This visit to Saudi Arabia was significant because it reaffirmed stable supplies of key national resources, including crude oil and naphtha, amid continued global supply chain instability and laid the groundwork for medium- and long-term resource cooperation,” Minister Kim said. “Building on the outcomes of practical industrial cooperation, Korea will continue to expand economic cooperation with Saudi Arabia across manufacturing, advanced industries, and other areas.” Following his visit to Saudi Arabia, Minister Kim will visit Qatar on June 15 and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on date2026-06-15

Korea Signs AI Standardization Cooperation MoU with Singapore, UK, Australia, and Canada

The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS, Administrator Kim Dae-ja), under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim), announced that it signed an MoU on AI pre-standardization cooperation with the national standards bodies of Singapore, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada in Singapore on June 11, 2026. The signatories were Enterprise Singapore (ESG), the British Standards Institution (BSI), Standards Australia (SA), and the Standards Council of Canada (SCC). The MoU reflects a shared view among the five countries that, as AI advances rapidly and spreads across industries, a cooperation framework needs to be built at the pre-standardization stage, before international standards are developed. The five countries plan to regularly hold joint workshops and expert seminars to share best practices in AI standardization and conformity assessment. The MoU also calls for pre-standardization cooperation on white papers, technical reports, and guides. The five countries will also carry out joint standardization pilot projects in key fields for AI application, such as manufacturing and healthcare. This work will help bring any draft standards developed through the projects into international standardization discussions at bodies such as ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 42, the international committee on AI standardization. KATS President Kim Dae-ja said, “This MoU is significant in that it establishes a broader international cooperation framework that reflects a wider range of perspectives on AI standardization amid intensifying U.S.- and China-centered competition over AI technology and standards. Building on this MoU, KATS will expand cooperation with standards partners, connect M.AX outcomes to standardization, and support Korean companies as they expand globally.” date2026-06-12

Korea and Morocco Accelerate Economic Cooperation

Minister for Trade Yeo Han-koo of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) visited Morocco on June 11-12, 2026, to advance trade and industrial cooperation between Korea and Morocco. During the visit, he held talks with Omar Hejira, Secretary of State to the Minister of Industry and Trade, in charge of Foreign Trade, and met with Korean companies operating in Morocco to discuss bilateral economic cooperation and ways to support Korean businesses. On June 11, Minister Yeo met with Secretary of State Hejira to discuss economic cooperation, including ways to expand trade and investment. The two sides agreed to establish a working group at the director-general level to continue detailed discussions. Through the working group, they will work closely so that negotiations for the Korea–Morocco Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) can begin at an early date. Minister Yeo also reviewed progress on Korean companies’ projects in Morocco, including Hyundai Rotem’s plan to build an electric train plant and LG Energy Solution’s investment in a battery-grade lithium refinery. He asked for the Moroccan government’s support and cooperation to help the projects proceed smoothly. The two sides also discussed cooperation in shipbuilding, defense, and other industries. At a roundtable with Korean companies operating in Morocco, Minister Yeo heard their concerns and requests related to tariffs, logistics, customs clearance, and taxation, and discussed ways to address them. He said MOTIR will closely review the difficulties raised by companies on the ground and use bilateral consultation channels to help resolve them. Amid growing interest and demand for Korean cosmetics in Morocco, Minister Yeo also visited a local store specializing in Korean cosmetics. He was briefed on the current distribution and sales of Korean cosmetics in Morocco, heard related business concerns, and discussed support measures to help more Korean companies enter the local market. “Morocco is a key emerging economy in North Africa and a geoeconomic hub linking Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa. As the only African country with FTAs with major economies, including the United States and the EU, Morocco is an important gateway for Korean companies seeking to enter African markets,” Minister Yeo said. “Korea will strengthen government-to-government cooperation with Morocco to support stable trade and investment by Korean companies.” date2026-06-12