Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy

MKE Announces Energy Conservation Measures for Winter

The Ministry of Knowledge Economy has announced plans to cope with possible power shortages this winter as the nation’s power reserves are expected to fall below the safe level of 4 million kilowatts. The new measures require government offices and commercial buildings with high electricity demand to keep indoor temperatures at or below 18 and 20 degrees Celsius, respectively. The plan also limits retailers to one neon sign each and requires them to keep doors shut when heating systems are in use. On the supply side, the nation will make efforts to maximize power generation by fully mobilizing publicly- and privately-owned generators. For the first two months of 2013, businesses whose contract demand is greater than 3,000 kilowatts will be required to reduce consumption by up to 10 percent. From the beginning of the year, MKE also plans to introduce a critical-peak pricing program, which offers discounts on off-peak days while imposing surcharges for peak days and times to encourage energy saving. The ministry will update the public on the status of power reserves via public broadcasting networks and text messaging. The second nationwide blackout drill is scheduled in January to improve the readiness of industrial complexes for possible rolling power outages. * Released by the Electric Power Division and the Energy Efficiency Policy Division date2012-11-27

Retail Sales Figures for October

The Ministry of Knowledge Economy has released its retail sales figures for the month of October. Weaker consumer sentiment due to prolonged global economic uncertainties and the higher cost of fresh produce pushed sales at the nation’s three major discount chains down 6.6 percent year on year. Spending declined in most categories, including apparel, household goods and food. date2012-11-26

Korea to Build Stronger Ties with the MENA region

Deputy Minister for International Affairs Moon Jaedo attends the MENA-Korea Economic Cooperation Forum on November 13 in Seoul. The forum drew nearly 300 business representatives and government officials from countries in the Middle East and North Africa. date2012-11-23

Korea Showcases IT Convergence Technologies in Silicon Valley

Korea Showcases IT Convergence Technologies in Silicon Valley In collaboration with the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) and the National IT Industry Promotion Agency (NIPA), the Ministry of Knowledge Economy held the `K-Tech @ Silicon Valley 2012` in Silicon Valley on November 12. The two-day conference, the first of its kind, was set up to demonstrate recent advancements in IT convergence technologies and suggest a future vision for the global IT convergence sector.   Kore date2012-11-22

Korea, Bolivia Discuss Energy Cooperation

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Korea, Hong Kong Pursue Closer Investment Ties

Deputy Minister for International Affairs Moon Jaedo addresses representatives of government bodies, financial institutions and investors from Korea and Hong Kong at the opening of the Korea Investment Forum on November 8 in Hong Kong. date2012-11-20

Vice Minister Encourages More Participation of Foreign Companies

Vice Minister for Trade and Energy Cho Seok attends the 2012 Foreign Company Day on November 1 in Seoul. The event drew nearly 400 participants including members of the diplomatic corps and representatives of foreign companies operating in Korea. date2012-11-16

MKE Releases Car Sales Figures for October

MKE Releases Car Sales Figures for October The Ministry of Knowledge Economy has released its car sales figures for October. The nation’s car production totaled 396,677 vehicles for a 4.3 percent decline from a year earlier. Vehicle exports shrank 6.3 percent year on year to 258,361 units due to the contraction in the European market and weaker demand from emerging economies. Thanks to temporary tax cuts on automobile purchases and special promotional offers by vehicle manufacturers, the date2012-11-16

Vice Minister Marks the Beginning of Smart Grid Week

Vice Minister for Trade and Energy Cho Seok attends the opening ceremony of the third Korea Smart Grid Week on October 30 in Seoul. Around 500 experts from industry, academia and think tanks participated in Korea’s largest smart grid event. date2012-11-12

Minister Greets Danish Foreign Minister

Minister Greets Danish Foreign Minister Minister of Knowledge Economy Sukwoo HONG met with his Danish counterpart Minister for Foreign Affairs Villy Sovndal on October 25. They exchanged views on various cooperation areas such as green growth, trade and investment and Arctic exploration. date2012-11-08