Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy

Korea’s Minister for Trade Inkyo Cheong met with Woodrow Wilson International Center (“Wilson Center”) President and CEO Mark Green today and discussed response measures for Korea in the midst of intensifying geopolitical uncertainties and rising protectionism across the trade landscape in this super election year.

The Wilson Center is a U.S.-based thinktank and a renowned source of various ideas in establishing U.S. foreign policies. It is considerably interested in U.S.’ cooperation with Korea and the Indo-Pacific region. The bilateral talks were convened on the margins of President Green’s visit to Korea to discuss cooperation with business leaders of Korea and Japan through a trilateral Korea-U.S.-Japan meeting.

Trade Minister Cheong conveyed Korea’s interest in the coming presidential elections and ensuing U.S. foreign policy shifts, highlighting that their bilateral alliance is critical and requires close cooperation in areas of industry, economy, diplomacy and national security, irrespective of election outcomes. With regard to future policy recommendations, he requested that the Wilson Center consider Korean companies’ increased investments and trust in the U.S. government, while also taking account of the international relations of U.S. allies.

They further discussed the possible impact from key trade issues, such as the U.S.’ additional tariff measures on Chinese-origin goods, the Russia-Ukraine war, and energy supply chain anxieties caused by Middle East tensions and exchanged views on Korea’s response measures.