Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy

Exhibition Showcases Korea’s Amazing Robots

Minister of Knowledge Economy Choi Joong-Kyung paid a visit to the Gwacheon National Science Museum in suburban Seoul last week to mark the opening of a permanent robot exhibition. Visitors can experience robots in action and glimpse the future world that will soon be reality thanks to advances in robotics. A 495-square-meter, robot-shaped exhibition hall within the museum showcases 21 kinds of robots: humanoid robots, robotic fish, robots designed for disaster operations, household robots, educational robots and more. Performing robots entertain visitors with singing, dancing and martial arts. to view a robot tae kwon do demonstration. The public can view the exhibition six days a week from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. but can also reserve tickets for other times; tickets are available both online (www.scientorium.go.kr) and from a robot at the entrance. The hall can accommodate up to 30 people and 30-minute visits can be scheduled every hour on the hour. Music, dance and tae kwon do performances run every hour on the half hour and last 20 minutes. No reservations are necessary to view performances. As Korea’s robotics industry grows stronger, the Ministry of Knowledge Economy is considering whether to establish similar exhibitions in different locations in 2012. * For pictures of the exhibition, please see the attached file. * Released by the Robot Division date2011-07-27

Wind Farm Ushers In a New Era of Clean Energy

The new pilot wind farm sits on previously unused land within a thermal power plant site; the government chose the site with a view to prompt construction and more efficient operation of the turbines. Its goal is to establish a good track record for Korea’s budding wind power industry, which by 2015 is expected to become one of the country’s flagship industries along with semiconductors and shipbuilding. The government plans to build more turbines at Yeongheung to generate an additional 30 megawatts. It also plans to build more wind farms. Korea’s national plan for the development of the renewable energy industry, announced in October 2010, includes 10 projects to promote the wider dissemination of renewable energy equipment such as solar panels and wind turbines. The “Green Power” project will see renewable energy facilities installed within existing power companies and power stations. The global wind power industry has displayed steady growth, posting impressive annual rates of 20 to 30 percent. * Released by the New and Renewable Energy Division date2011-07-25

Parts and Materials Industry Trade Figures for First Half of 2011

    date2011-07-21

Foreign Investment Figures for First Half of 2011

Foreign direct investment (FDI) in the manufacturing sector grew 11.8 percent to $2.23 billion, while FDI in the service sector fell 16.8 percent to $2.65 billion. Notably, investments in nonmetallic minerals and culture and entertainment shot up 10,500 percent and 6,766.7 percent, respectively. date2011-07-19

Retail Sales Figures for June

Sales at the major discount chains rose 2.7 percent year on year—there was a slight increase in spending on food, which accounted for 52.3 percent of all sales. Sunny weather during the first part of the month brought more outdoor activities, pushing up sales of food and sporting items. Spending on household appliances and cultural goods, however, showed a decline—particularly televisions, which had displayed brisk growth last year on the back of the 2010 World Cup. date2011-07-14

IT Trade Figures for June

date2011-07-13

Korea and Gabon Take First Step Toward Energy Partnership

Officials from Gabon visited Seoul last week to discuss energy partnerships with their Korean counterparts. The first meeting of the Korea-Gabon Joint Committee on Energy and Mineral Resources Cooperation was a successful first step toward collaboration on oil and mineral development projects and the establishment of energy infrastructure in Gabon. Gabon plans to found a state-owned oil company, and Korea can provide useful information for this endeavor. Training programs and joint technology development were among the topics raised at the meeting. Furthermore, Korean companies have expressed a keen interest in joint projects involving mineral resources and rare metals and the establishment of a new refinery in Gabon. The Korean delegates requested support for Korean businesses in Gabon so that the two countries can make the most of these opportunities. Both sides expressed the desire to widen the scope of bilateral cooperation to include green growth and free economic zones. Ahead of the meeting, Minister of Knowledge Economy Choi Joong-Kyung met with Minister of Mining, Oil and Hydrocarbons Alexandre Barro Chambrier. * Released by the Emerging Economies Cooperation Division date2011-07-08

Energy Forum Reinforces Ties Between Korea, Indonesia

Vice Minister for Industrial Affairs and Global Industrial Cooperation Moon Jae-do traveled to Jakarta last week for the fourth Korea-Indonesia Energy Forum. The forum was an occasion to advance energy partnerships and explore new opportunities for cooperation. Vice Minister Moon pointed to energy and resources as a key sector in which stronger partnerships will significantly rev up the Indonesian economy. “Korea and Indonesia already have a very successful mineral resources and oil field partnership,” the Vice Minister said in his congratulatory speech. “Now it is time to build on what we have achieved, intensify ongoing cooperation, and strengthen our cooperative ties with future projects in mind.” Possible areas of cooperation include overseas oil and gas projects, the establishment of natural gas distribution networks, and the development of mines in Indonesia. Korea also wants to work with Indonesia to make its mining sector more eco-friendly and to increase the use of renewables, especially photovoltaic energy. Indonesia is one of Korea’s foremost energy partners, with ties that date back to 1979. After holding 22 consultations over nearly 30 years, in 2007 the two countries decided to establish an annual Energy Forum and engage in broader discussions. * Released by the Southeast Asia and Oceania Division date2011-07-07