- Registration date2025-03-31
-
Attached file
Joint Media Statement of
the Thirteenth Economic and Trade Ministers’ Meeting
between the Republic of Korea, Japan and the People’s Republic of China
30 March 2025, Seoul, Korea
1. We, the Economic and Trade Ministers of the Republic of Korea, Japan and the People’s Republic of China, convened in Seoul, Korea, on 30 March 2025, to hold the Thirteenth Korea-Japan-China Economic and Trade Ministers’ Meeting.
2. We reaffirmed our conviction that trilateral efforts in the economic and trade sectors are essential for fostering the prosperity and stability of the regional and global economy, as emphasized in the Joint Declaration of the Ninth Trilateral Summit in May 2024.
3. We noted with satisfaction the advancements made in trilateral cooperation between our three countries and held fruitful discussions on the future trajectory of our cooperation. We especially recognized the need for ongoing trilateral economic and trade cooperation to effectively address emerging challenges and achieve tangible outcomes in key areas.
4. We shared the view that the Thirteenth Trilateral Economic and Trade Ministers’ Meeting plays a vital role in strengthening our trilateral cooperation. The Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan and the Minister of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China expressed their appreciation for the efforts of the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy of the Republic of Korea as Chair to ensure the continual progress of trilateral economic and trade cooperation.
5. (WTO Reform) We support the rules-based, open, inclusive, transparent, non-discriminatory multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core. We emphasized the need to advance the necessary reform of the WTO and strengthen all its functions, including negotiation, monitoring, deliberation and dispute settlement so that the organization can become more responsive and resilient in addressing current trade challenges, particularly in the lead up to the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14). We also reiterated our support for the extension of the moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions at MC14. We commended the efforts to intensify discussions in the WTO on contemporary key issues.
6. (WTO JSIs) Acknowledging the value of ongoing plurilateral discussions under the WTO, including the Joint Statement Initiatives (JSIs), we highlighted their potential to address emerging trade issues, foster inclusive economic growth, and build momentum towards multilateral outcomes. We urged WTO Members to support the early incorporation of the Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) Agreement and the Agreement on Electronic Commerce into the WTO legal framework and encouraged wider participation in the Agreements.
7. (RCEP) We highlight the importance of the transparent, smooth and effective implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement. We encourage the RCEP Joint Committee to finalise the Terms of Reference of the Accession Working Group (AWG) for new membership to the RCEP as soon as possible.
8. (Trilateral FTA) We keep discussions for speeding up negotiations for a Trilateral FTA with a view to realizing a free, fair, comprehensive, high-quality and mutually beneficial FTA with its own value.
9. (Predictable and Reliable Business Environment) We will continue to work to ensure a global level playing field to foster a free, open, fair, non-discriminatory, transparent, inclusive and predictable trade and investment environment. We welcomed the outcomes of the 8th Trilateral Business Summit held in May 2024, and committed to continuing our collaboration during upcoming events, including the 9th Business Summit in Japan and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit in Korea.
10. (Supply Chains) Enhancing cooperation on supply chains, we expressed our commitment to ensuring stable supplies.
11. (Export Controls) We welcomed the progress of bilateral export control consultations, and affirmed to enhance communications among us in the field of export control.
12. (International Events) Strengthening cooperation within multilateral frameworks that include all three countries, we expressed support for Korea’s upcoming hosting of the 2025 APEC Economic Leaders’ Week (AELW) and China for 2026, as well as Japan’s hosting of Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai.
13. (Trilateral Economic Report) Supporting the annual Trilateral Economic Report (TER) by the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat as a valuable resource for policy development and economic cooperation, we agreed to facilitate economic exchanges, cooperation and information sharing based on report, while also to encourage the development of future editions.
14. (Green Economy) Strengthening cooperation on carbon free energy technologies, including renewables, nuclear power, hydrogen and its derivatives, and carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), we agreed to collaborate within multilateral platforms such as the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) and the APEC Energy Ministerial Meeting (APEC EMM).
15. (Digital Economy) Recognizing that the digital transformation of our three countries contributes to regional economic recovery and integration, we commended the outcomes of the Trilateral Entrepreneurs Forum (TEF) in August 2024, and pledged to advance digital cooperation through multilateral frameworks such as the DESG and other relevant forum of APEC.
16. (Local-Level Cooperation) Enhancing local-level business and technology exchanges, we agreed to support local-level consultations such as the 23rd Pan-Yellow Sea Rim Economy and Technology Exchange Conference to be held in Daejeon, Korea in November. We agreed to continue to enhance cooperation through platforms such as the China-Northeast Asia Expo and support local government in exploring practical cooperation programmes.
17. (Next Meeting) Reaffirming that the Trilateral Economic and Trade Ministers’ Meeting serves as an essential platform for advancing trilateral economic and trade cooperation, we agreed to convene the next meeting in Japan.