[G20 Video Conference] "Responding to Prevent Unnecessary Trade Barriers"

Essential Medicines, Agricultural Products, Goods, and Services Flow Must Be Ensured... Trade Minister Assigned Task to Assess Trade Impact

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] On the afternoon of the 26th, the leaders of major countries attending the G20 Special Virtual Summit, including President Moon Jae-in, announced in a joint declaration, "We will ensure the flow of essential medical supplies, key agricultural products, and other cross-border goods and services in response to people's needs for the health and well-being of all individuals, and address the disruption issues in global supply chains."

On the 26th, a passenger at the departure hall of Terminal 2, Incheon International Airport, is looking at the departure flight information board, which is more than half empty. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

The G20 leaders stated, "We will continue to cooperate closely to promote international trade and respond in ways that do not cause unnecessary obstacles to cross-border movement and trade," adding, "Emergency measures aimed at protecting health will be goal-oriented, proportionate, transparent, and temporary. We assign trade ministers the task of assessing the impact of the global pandemic on trade."

The G20 leaders emphasized, "We reaffirm our commitment to realizing a free, fair, non-discriminatory, transparent, predictable, and stable trade and investment environment and maintaining open markets."