Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy

Korea’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Dukgeun Ahn held talks with Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala and President of the Senate Miloš Vystrčil, respectively, on May 7 on the occasion of the visit to the Czech Republic made by Korea’s special delegation composed of government delegates and National Assembly representatives. The two sides discussed measures for comprehensive economic cooperation and entered a total of 14 memorandums of understanding (MOUs) in nuclear energy and high-tech industry areas.

First, Minister Ahn and the government delegation visited Czech Prime Minister Fiala to discuss wide-ranging cooperation across industries, energy, construction, infrastructure, and science technology. In the presence of Prime Minister Fiala, Minister Ahn and Czech Minister of Industry and Trade Lukáš Vlček signed a Korea-Czech nuclear reactor cooperation arrangement, building on the MOU forged previously in September 2024. The two countries’ governments will be making joint effort for the success of the Dukovany power plant project as well as collaboration on the additional order of two reactor units and Korea-Czech joint entry into third countries. Minister Ahn and Minister Vlček also inked a Korea-Czech battery cooperation MOU for stronger joint response going forward regarding the EU Battery Regulation.

Furthermore, Minister Ahn and Minister Vlček discussed cooperation in nuclear energy and high-tech industry areas including batteries and automobiles. In the presence of both ministers, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) and other members of Team Korea sealed 10 MOUs with Czech companies for cooperation on the Czech nuclear reactor project.

In addition to widening the scope of collaboration in nuclear energy, Korea and the Czech Republic are also aiming to deepen strategic cooperation in high-tech industries. In line with implementing the Vltava Advanced Industries Cooperation Vision announced on September 20, 2024, the two sides signed a letter of agreement on the establishment of an automotive cooperation center and a robotics cooperation center, raising anticipation for enhanced collaboration in R&D, talent training, and demonstration projects.

Meanwhile, Korea’s National Assembly members and government delegates met Czech President of the Senate Miloš Vystrčil for lawmaker-level discussions on extensive cooperation between the two countries in areas spanning nuclear reactors, high-tech industries, energy, and construction.

In view of this year marking the 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the 10th anniversary of the strategic partnership between Korea and the Czech Republic, Minister Ahn noted that the two countries have further solidified their trust relationship and stated that efforts will be made to closely communicate with the Czech authorities so as to finalize the new reactor contract as soon as possible.