Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy

Trade, Industry and Energy Minister Dukgeun Ahn is making his first visit to Washington D.C., U.S. (April 10-12) after taking office to meet with U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) and Department of Energy (DOE) counterparts, Biden administration officials, U.S. Congress members, and major thinktank figures for extensive discussions on trade issues and measures for Korea-U.S. cooperation in industries and energy.

 

During the bilateral ministerial Supply Chain and Commercial Dialogue (SCCD) meeting and energy ministerial meeting held in April 2023 on the margins of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s state visit to the U.S., the two countries agreed to cooperate in clean energy and advanced industries, including semiconductors. Minister Ahn aims to further discussions on stronger cooperation in clean energy areas and advanced industries through this visit, while also touching on issues concerning the U.S. CHIPS Act subsidies and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) incentives.

 

Moreover, he will meet with representatives of Korean firms operating in the local U.S. market to cover investment issues and seek business support measures with Congress members. With key thinktank figures, he plans to exchange views on forward-looking measures for developing and deepening Korea-U.S. relations.

 

Minister Ahn remarked that “The Korea-U.S. alliance has grown closer than ever, advancing to one of economic security, advanced industries, and supply chains,” and that efforts will be made to bolster bilateral ties through continued cooperation with the U.S. DOC, DOE, and other divisions.