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Korea to serve as Steering Group member for Climate Club
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) announced on October 18 that Korea has been appointed to serve in the Steering Group for the Climate Club, a multilateral consultative body launched under the objective of accelerating the effective implementation of the Paris Agreement and carbon neutrality in the industry sector. It was decided at the time of launch in December 2023 that a Steering Group will be formed when the Climate Club body reaches 40 members or more. Accordingly, with the number of members amounting to 40 as of August 2024, seven members were appointed to serve as the Steering Group, consisting of Australia, Egypt, the EU, Indonesia, Korea, Türkiye, and the UK. While leading the efforts for decarbonization in the industry sector, which takes up 30 percent of the entire global carbon emissions, the Climate Club is also taking the initiative in setting the norms for relevant issues such as low-carbon steel definition, interoperability considerations for emissions calculation, and low-carbon product transaction standards. During the first Steering Group meeting held on October 18, members discussed carbon leakage issues and Climate Club management measures going forward. date2024-10-21
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Korea and Japan’s business leaders seek synergy from bilateral economic cooperation
The Republic of Korea’s Minister for Trade, Industry and Energy Dukgeun Ahn attended the 31st Korea-Japan Business Conference today in Seoul, co-hosted by the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI) and the Japan Business Federation. Launched in 1983, the Korea-Japan Business Conference is held on a regular basis as a channel for highest-level private-sector economic cooperation and has contributed with valuable suggestions to developing the bilateral economic cooperation. In his congratulatory message, Minister Ahn expressed appreciation for both countries’ business leaders’ efforts to advance Korea-Japan relations and vowed support for bilateral economic cooperation through close intergovernmental communication amid increasing global uncertainties. In commemoration of next year marking the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan, the minister shared plans to deepen bilateral cooperation through the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Gyeongju City and the Osaka Expo, both slated for 2025. He ensured the Korean government’s active assistance in gaining outcomes over areas such as economic security cooperation, global green growth leadership through the Carbon Free Energy (CFE) Initiative, and joint efforts with the Global South and other third countries. On the margins of the bilateral conference, Korean and Japanese economic groups discussed measures for cooperation with regard to realizing a sustainable society through digital transformation and hydrogen utilization, trade and investment issues including the Korea-U.S.-Japan trilateral cooperation, as well as future collaboration for expanding people-to-people exchanges and making preparations for the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations. date2024-10-18
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Minister Ahn discusses Korea-U.S. economic cooperation with North Dakota Governor
The Republic of Korea’s Trade, Industry and Energy Minister Dukgeun Ahn held talks with U.S. Governor of North Dakota Doug Burgum today on the occasion of the governor’s visit to Korea and discussed the importance of establishing stable cooperative relations for Korea and the U.S.’ development, noting that the two countries’ alliance is advancing towards one of high-tech industries and supply chains through concerted efforts such as the Korea-U.S. summit and the joint statement declared at Camp David in 2023. During the talks, Minister Ahn addressed the need for continuity of U.S. major policies that are capable of directly impacting the Korea-U.S. economic and investment cooperation, including the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and CHIPS and Science Act, so as to spur positive business expectations among Korean firms collaborating with U.S. counterparts. Both sides shared the understanding on the importance of Korea-U.S. relations in view of the two countries’ cooperation as key economic partners and agreed to further efforts in establishing stable and forward-looking bilateral relations. Minister Ahn also expressed high regard for the cooperation potential between Korea and North Dakota in light of Korea’s aim to nurture its hydrogen industry and achieve carbon neutrality through enhanced carbon capture technologies, as well as North Dakota’s key role in the Heartland Hydrogen Hub, and asked for Governor Burgum’s interest and support towards fostering a stable investment and business management environment to promote Korean companies’ investments in not only North Dakota but across the whole of U.S. date2024-10-18
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Korea’s automobile exports grow 4.9% in September
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) announced today that Korea’s automobile exports for the month of September advanced 4.9 percent year-on-year to USD 5.5 billion, surpassing the previous high set in September last year ($5.2 billion). The growth can be attributed to exports of Kia’s new electric vehicle (EV) model, increased SUV exports, and GM Korea’s export recovery. The accumulated export value through January–September 2024 also reached a historic $52.9 billion (up 1.6 percent year-on-year). The export of eco-friendly vehicles grew 12.3 percent to $2.0 billion, turning to an expansion for the first time in four months on the backs of robust demand for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) (up 75.6 percent to $1.0 billion). In spite of the lower number of working days (-1 weekday) compared to that of September 2023, domestic production inched up 1.7 percent, recovering the 300,000-unit thresholds in three months with 307,026 units as major automakers are boosting production on account of global demand. Domestic sales sank 2.3 percent to 130,685 units. Meanwhile, eco-friendly car sales climbed 37.9 percent to 58,983 units, of which HEV sales soared 63.9 percent to an all-time monthly high of 45,773 units. date2024-10-17
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40th Trade Promotion Committee seeks swift implementation of Trade Policy Roadmap to curb global uncertainties
Minister for Trade Inkyo Cheong of the Republic of Korea chaired the 40th Trade Promotion Committee meeting today at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) in Seoul and led discussions on key agenda items and plans regarding the Trade Policy Roadmap implementation, upcoming U.S. presidential elections, and bilateral Supply Chain Partnership Arrangements (SCPAs). At the meeting, representatives of economy and trade related ministries agreed to swiftly establish plans for implementing the Trade Policy Roadmap announced this August in order to respond to the increasingly volatile trade environment and intensifying geopolitical risks. They also discussed the U.S. presidential election situation and exchanged views on plans going forward. Concerning the bilateral SCPA signed with Singapore on October 8 on the margins of the Korea-Singapore summit, attendees discussed measures to expand the supply chain partnership network by pushing SCPAs with other major countries as well. In view of recently increasing global uncertainties and geopolitical crises, Trade Minister Cheong noted the importance of minimizing business uncertainties for companies through the prompt implementation of the Trade Policy Roadmap and careful preparation with respect to the U.S. elections. The trade chief further shared plans to build multilevel supply chain solidarity by widening the scope of the SCPA, which is the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) Supply Chain Agreement upgraded to a bilateral agreement. date2024-10-17
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Korea to host International AI Standards Summit 2025
The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) of the Republic of Korea stated that it was officially announced at the Global Standards Symposium held in New Delhi on October 15 that the International AI Standards Summit 2025 will take place next year in Seoul through December 2–3. An alliance of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the World Standards Cooperation (WSC) proposed the need for the International AI Standards Summit as advised in the Governing AI for Humanity report released by the AI Advisory Body (AIAB) under the United Nations (UN), to which the ISO suggested Korea’s hosting the event in conjunction with the World Standards Forum 2025, which is expecting numerous high-level industry figures. Going forward, the WSC will be launching the AI Standards Summit 2025 with an active effort to draw the participation of various high-level figures in not only AI businesses but also in wide-ranging AI application areas including semiconductors, telecommunications, mobility, energy, and services. date2024-10-16
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Korea bolsters global LNG supply cooperation network to stabilize energy supply
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) of the Republic of Korea is making effort to reinforce liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply chain cooperation with other countries in response to volatility risks in the global energy market with aim to stabilize the domestic natural gas supply. First, through the Korea-Singapore LNG memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between MOTIE and Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) on the margins of the Korea-Singapore summit (October 8), the two countries plan to secure supply flexibility via LNG swaps capitalizing on their discrepant summer and winter supply patterns and raise price negotiability through joint purchases. As Korea is the world’s third largest LNG importer and Singapore is a global trading hub with its world-leading infrastructure and professional talent, the two countries’ bilateral cooperation is anticipated to create significant synergy. Second, Korea is pushing LNG cooperation with Japan as well. On the occasion of the LNG Producer-Consumer Conference 2024 (PCC) held on October 6 in Hiroshima, MOTIE and Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) agreed to kick LNG cooperation into high gear. Both countries’ governments, Korea Gas Corporation (KOGAS), and JERA will work together to monitor the global supply situation, strengthen information exchanges, make joint purchases, and roll out an LNG swap pilot project. Based on these endeavors, they intend to forge agreements going forward to bolster intergovernmental and corporate cooperation so that the two countries can secure stable LNG supplies during global supply chain uncertainties. As of 2023, Korea and Japan are the world’s third and second largest LNG importers, respectively. Based on geographic proximity, the two countries’ collaboration is meaningful in that they can enhance LNG supply flexibility and supply chain resilience even in times of global energy crises. Third, another outcome of the LNG PCC 2024 was that an Early Alert Mechanism (EAM) pilot project should be launched with the participation of major LNG producers like Australia, Canada, and the U.S. and importers like the EU, Japan, and Korea. The EAM is a natural gas supply chain crisis sharing system for swift information spreading and joint response against accidents that may potentially damage natural gas field facilities and disrupt the natural gas supply chain. Not only that, but each country’s LNG storage volume, LNG terminal usage rate, weather, and other basic industrial information are to be shared within permissible range of disclosure. The Korean government plans to take part in the EAM on a regular basis to prepare for potential risks by monitoring and analyzing provided information, while also forecasting accidents and identifying market anxiety factors in advance to help stabilize the domestic natural gas supply. date2024-10-15
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Boom-Up Korea Week 2024 to launch on historic scale, boosting exports and local economies
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) of the Republic of Korea announced today the launching of Boom-Up Korea Week 2024 (“Boom-Up”) from October 16–31, during which invited buyers from around the world will be visiting Korea to strike business deals with prospective companies. This year, the Boom-Up will be held on an unprecedented scale, integrating 20 industry exhibitions and cultural tour programs. Substantial companies from all parts of the country intend to showcase their products and technologies to global buyers at various exhibition sites including Offshore Korea 2024 in Busan, Korea Electronics Show (KES 2024) and Semiconductor Exhibition (SEDEX 2024) in Seoul, Daegu International Future Auto & Mobility Expo 2024, and RobotWorld 2024 and the Korea International Construction Equipment Exhibition (CONEX KOREA 2024) in Ilsan. Whereas previous Boom-Ups were mainly organized by the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) and centered around the Seoul metropolitan area, this year’s Boom-Up is promoted nationwide and held across a number of major exhibition centers including COEX, BEXCO, KINTEX, and EXCO, involving the participation of a wide range of export assistance institutions such as exhibition operators, local government bodies, and the Korea Tourism Organization. An all-time high number of 1,000 buyer companies from 62 countries and 3,000 Korean firms are taking part in the event. This year’s Boom-Up organizers are also concentrating effort to enhance buyer-oriented export marketing by streamlining services so that buyers’ needs can be better met by relevant product matching and business consultation sessions through cooperation among nationwide exhibitions, with further assistance for transport service between exhibition sites. Moreover, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) and local authorities are collaborating to provide culture and tour experiences tied to each local exhibition. All buyers will be given local tourism vouchers they can use in paying for lodging, meals, and excursions such as cruises on the Han River and visits to local markets and Korea’s landmarks like Gwanghwamun Gate, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and Imjingak Peace Nuri. This greater scale Boom-Up is anticipated to weave Korea’s diverse exhibitions and tourism events into a singular program for invigorating both the domestic economy and exports. During their two-week visit, buyers will be provided information on promising business opportunities and engage in in-depth consultations leading to tangible outcomes. MOTIE Minister Dukgeun Ahn stated that he looks forward to this year’s Boom-Up serving as a catalyst for Korea’s latter half export drive and fueling the domestic economy amid the recent inflation. date2024-10-15