Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy

Trade Figures for 2012

date2013-01-03

Retail Sales Figures for November

The Ministry of Knowledge Economy has released its retail sales figures for the month of November. Although sales at the nation’s three major discount chains fell 1.7 percent year on year, the downward pace slowed as unseasonably cold weather raised demand for apparel, sporting goods and general goods. Spending on household appliances and cultural goods, household goods and food showed negative growth. Meanwhile, sales at the nation’s major department stores rose 9.1 percent from a year earlier, posting positive growth for the first time in six months. Spending on all categories saw an upward trend. The cold weather and discount sales in particular played role in boosting demand for seasonal items such as winter clothing and gloves. * Released by the Distribution and Logistics Division     date2012-12-28

Korea, U.S. Open New Chapter in Investment Ties

Korea, U.S. Open New Chapter in Investment Ties Minister of Knowledge Economy Sukwoo HONG hosted the first Korea-US Investment and Trade Forum on December 7 in Washington, D.C. The event, jointly organized by the public and private sectors, aimed to boost bilateral ties between the two countries. At the forum, Minister Hong said, “the two countries should now work on expanding this successful partnership to include greater investment,” emphasizing the important role the Korea-U.S. F date2012-12-18

MKE Releases Car Sales Figures for November

MKE Releases Car Sales Figures for November The Ministry of Knowledge Economy has released its car sales figures for November. Based on stronger domestic demand, the nation’s car production climbed 3.7 percent year on year to 444,049 vehicles, posting the highest performance for any month so far this year. Despite the impact of the broader slowdown in Europe, vehicle exports declined only slightly from a year earlier thanks to solid demand from the North American market and a steady recov date2012-12-11

IT Trade Figures for November

date2012-12-07

Korea Rolls Out Commercial Electric Vehicle-Sharing Program

Korea Rolls Out Commercial Electric Vehicle-Sharing Program The Ministry of Knowledge Economy has introduced a commercial EV-sharing program as part of efforts to build an electric vehicle platform for sustainable everyday use. Launched on December 3, the service offers registered members access to a fleet of 30 electric cars available at 18 charging stations in Seoul, which can be reserved by the hour or day via the Internet. It aims to expand access to green cars while helping shoulder the co date2012-12-06

Korea Committed to Broadening Partnerships with China`s Local Governments

Minister of Knowledge Economy Sukwoo HONG travelled to the Chinese provinces of Guangdong and Shaanxi last week to strengthen economic ties with the Chinese local governments. During the visit to Guandong, Minister Hong met with the Secretary of the Guangdong Provincial Committee, Wang Yang, and reaffirmed the importance of stronger partnerships in overcoming global economic uncertainties. In order to develop a platform for sustainable growth, the two officials pledged to further advance the dialogue and agreed to widen the scope of cooperation, including in the high-tech industrial sectors. Meanwhile, the third Korea-Guangdong Economic and Trade Development Forum produced seven memorandums of understanding to enhance bilateral ties in areas such as energy conservation, the environmental industry and investment promotion. On the sidelines of the event, MKE also arranged a business forum for the first time in Guangdong to showcase Korea’s cutting-edge technologies and promising business opportunities in Korea. After the two-day visit to Guangdong, Minister Hong made his first trip to Shaanxi and met with the Governor, Zhao Zhengyong. A groundbreaking MOU signed by the two officials will establish a ministerial-level cooperation channel and develop joint partnerships in new growth industries. Under the terms of the MOU, both sides will take on various projects in the infrastructure and industrial development sectors. The deal also includes plans for working-level discussions on joint endeavors and potential cooperation opportunities in both Shaanxi and Korea. With high-profile business leaders from both sides in attendance, the Korea-Shaanxi Economic Forum was set up to serve as an important opportunity to share information on development plans and collaboration ideas. * Released by the Northeast Asia Division date2012-12-05

Trade Figures for November

While inbound shipments of capital goods rose 3.6 percent, imports of consumer goods shrank 7.1 percent. Imports from Japan and China showed negative growth. date2012-12-03