Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy

Minister Ahn meets U.S. Senator Mark Kelly

Minister for Trade, Industry and Energy Dukgeun Ahn of the Republic of Korea met U.S. Senator Mark Kelly on February 28 (local time) in Washington D.C. and discussed measures for stronger cooperation in the shipbuilding industry. date2025-03-04

Minister Ahn meets U.S. Secretary of the Interior

Minister for Trade, Industry and Energy Dukgeun Ahn of the Republic of Korea met U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum on February 28 (local time) in Washington D.C. and discussed measures for stronger cooperation. date2025-03-04

Minister Ahn meets PIIE President

Minister for Trade, Industry and Energy Dukgeun Ahn of the Republic of Korea met Peterson Institute for International Economics (PIIE) President Adam Posen on February 28 (local time) in Washington D.C. and discussed Korea’s effective response measures to bilateral trade issues and requested for support towards facilitating intergovernmental cooperation. date2025-03-04

Minister Ahn meets CSIS President and CEO

Minister for Trade, Industry and Energy Dukgeun Ahn of the Republic of Korea met Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) President and CEO John Hamre on February 27 (local time) in Washington D.C. and discussed U.S. economic policies and Korea’s response strategies. date2025-03-04

Minister Ahn meets U.S. Secretary of Commerce

Minister for Trade, Industry and Energy Dukgeun Ahn of the Republic of Korea met U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick on February 27 (local time) in Washington D.C. and discussed stronger shipbuilding cooperation and Korea’s exclusion from U.S. tariff plans. The two sides agreed to establish a working-level consultation channel on tariff issues. date2025-03-04

Minister Ahn meets Heritage Foundation President

Minister for Trade, Industry and Energy Dukgeun Ahn of the Republic of Korea met Heritage Foundation President Kevin D. Roberts on February 26 (local time) in Washington D.C. for discussions on U.S. economic policy directions and Korea’s strategic response measures. date2025-02-28

Korea-Australia Green EPA Business Forum

Minister for Trade Inkyo Cheong of the Republic of Korea attended the Korea-Australia Green Economy Partnership Arrangement (EPA) Business Forum on February 26 in Seoul and gave an opening message to the two countries’ business and related reprensentatives including Australian Ambassador to Korea Jeff Robinson. date2025-02-28

Korea and Japan launch Mineral Resources Cooperation Dialogue

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) of the Republic of Korea and Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) held the first Korea-Japan Mineral Resources Cooperation Dialogue today in Tokyo to launch forward the two countries’ active cooperation in stabilizing the critical minerals supply chains essential for the development of advanced industries. At today’s meeting, MOTIE’s Director General for Resources Industry Policy Yoon Chang-hyun and METI’s Deputy Director-General for Manufacturing Industries Hideyuki Urata engaged in discussions on the two countries’ critical minerals policies, critical minerals stockpiling cooperation, and measures for joint production in third countries. First, in view of Korea and Japan’s similarities with respect to both operating their critical minerals stockpile systems from an economic security standpoint, the two sides agreed to establish a system for close cooperation for responding to global critical minerals supply chain risks. They also agreed to boost cooperation in the joint development and production of critical minerals in third countries to decrease supply chain risks by supporting the collaboration between their private-sector businesses and relevant institutions. Moreover, both sides will be making effort to establish critical minerals related global norms and stabilize supply chains based on stronger joint policy efforts through the Mineral Security Partnership (MSP) and the International Energy Agency (IEA), while also seeking joint strategies for responding to global supply chain risks. As Korea and Japan are major critical minerals importers that share homogeneous industrial structures with competitiveness in cutting-edge industries like semiconductors and batteries, the two countries are anticipating considerable synergy from their collaboration in critical minerals supply chains. They plan to keep expanding their scope of strategic cooperation in the future through the Korea-Japan Mineral Resources Cooperation Dialogue and other channels in order to effectively respond to global supply chain crises.   date2025-02-27

Korea and Australia to widen business cooperation in climate, energy, and supply chains

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) of the Republic of Korea held the Korea-Australia Green Economy Partnership Arrangement (EPA) Business Forum (“Forum”) today in Seoul as follow-up to the bilateral Green EPA signed between the two countries’ relevant ministries in December 2024.  Held under the aim of expanding business cooperation in climate, energy, and supply chain areas, today’s Forum seeks to create tangible joint business opportunities in clean hydrogen, CCUS (carbon capture, utilization, and storage), and critical minerals. The Forum is significant in that it brings together both countries’ major companies to take stock of cooperation progress in clean energy areas, establishing a basis for wider and more concrete collaboration in the future. In view of Korea and Australia serving as central links in the Asia-Pacific region’s clean hydrogen supply chain, the two sides sought joint measures to establish a stable hydrogen supply chain system and reviewed prospects for joint participation in global CCUS projects through the carbon dioxide (CO2) cross-border transport and storage cooperation system developed under the Green EPA. They also discussed measures to promote joint research on ways to diversify critical minerals supply chains and to increase joint investments in clean energy technology development. Korea’s Minister for Trade Inkyo Cheong expressed anticipation for both countries to generate meaningful outcomes on this occasion in the global clean energy market by capitalizing on the synergy between Korea’s clean energy technology and Australia’s abundance in resources.  Australian Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Jeff Robinson highlighted that the bilateral Green EPA will help the two countries catalyze energy transitions, strengthen supply chains, and boost economic opportunities. On the margins of today’s Forum, MOTIE plans to continue supporting homegrown companies in their effort to take part in global clean energy projects and other opportunities for overseas cooperation.   date2025-02-26

KNCP to proceed with mediation procedures on complaint filed against Oxy Reckitt Benckiser

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) of the Republic of Korea held this year’s first Korean National Contact Point (KNCP) Committee meeting today and announced the primary review results over two complaints filed in accordance with the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises.  Concerning the complaint filed against Company “A” by a non-governmental organization (NGO) in the UK, the KNCP viewed that the need for mediation is not considerable and decided to dismiss the complaint, thereby closing the case. With regard to the complaint filed against humidifier disinfectant manufacturer and seller Oxy Reckitt Benckiser, the KNCP decided to proceed forward with mediation procedures. The complaint was filed by two Korean consumers citing reasons of violation of human rights and consumer protection laws. On reviewing the statements and materials submitted, the KNCP determined that it is necessary to arbitrate the dialogue between concerned parties and initiate the mediation process. Going forward, the KNCP plans to form a mediation committee composed of civilian KNCP members and proceed with mediation procedures on the premise of relevant parties’ voluntary participation. Should the parties reach an agreement, the KNCP will announce the mediation outcomes. Should the parties fail to reach an agreement, the KNCP will announce a final statement carrying its recommendation on unsettled issues and close the case. date2025-02-25