Koji Domita, the Japanese Ambassador to Korea, is delivering the keynote speech at the business meeting hosted by the Japanese Ambassador to Korea, held on the 22nd at the Federation of Korean Industries Conference Center in Yeouido, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@
[Asia Economy Reporter Changhwan Lee] The Japanese Ambassador to Korea asserted that for Japan to ease its export restrictions on Korea, Korea must first resolve the issue of having filed a complaint against Japan at the World Trade Organization (WTO).
On the morning of the 22nd, Koji Domita, the Japanese Ambassador to Korea, attended the "Breakfast Meeting with the Japanese Ambassador to Korea" held at the Federation of Korean Industries in Yeouido, Seoul, and stated, "Regarding export restrictions, Japan's position has not changed under the current circumstances."
Ambassador Domita said, "Since last year, there have been various dialogues showing progress toward resolving the export restriction issue, but policy talks were suspended this summer when Korea filed a complaint against Japan at the WTO. I hope Korea will create an environment where this issue can be resolved through dialogue. That is my expectation."
Japan imposed export restrictions on key items to Korea last year, citing the South Korean Supreme Court's ruling ordering Japanese companies to compensate Korean forced laborers as a problem. Subsequently, Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy filed a complaint against Japan at the WTO.
Ambassador Domita explained, "The two countries have various issues, including those related to Korean laborers during the wartime period. Persistently resolving these issues is an important prerequisite for further developing economic relations."
He also predicted that the Korea-Japan summit would take place after these various issues are settled. He emphasized, "Regarding the Korea-Japan summit, a new administration has been established in Japan, and building a personal trust relationship between Prime Minister Suga and President Moon Jae-in is a very important task going forward."
He continued, "Considering the current situation surrounding Korea-Japan relations, environmental preparations are necessary for the summit to yield good results leading to improved relations. Japan will strive to create such an environment and asks Korea to make efforts as well."
Meanwhile, the event was organized at the invitation of the Federation of Korean Industries to improve Korea-Japan relations. Kwon Tae-shin, Vice Chairman of the Federation, said, "If the international division of labor system for materials, parts, and equipment between Korea and Japan functions properly, the value added generated in the manufacturing sectors of both countries based on 2018 data is estimated to reach about 136 trillion won. We hope for the Japanese Ambassador's interest and support so that both countries do not lose the thread of resolving export restrictions through dialogue."
He emphasized the urgent need for a Korea-Japan summit to ease strained relations and requested the Japanese Ambassador's efforts to realize the summit.
Vice Chairman Kwon stated, "Difficult Korea-Japan relations can be improved simply by the two leaders meeting, so I ask for the Ambassador's active efforts to make the summit happen. Also, active support from the Japanese government for Korean companies operating in Japan, which are struggling due to COVID-19, and continuous interest from the embassy and Japanese government for joint entry into third-country markets are necessary."
About 20 businesspeople interested in Japanese business attended the meeting, including representatives from Hyosung, Poongsan, Korean Air, Lotte Construction, Dongyang Moolsan Enterprise, Hanwha Solutions, Samyang Corporation, Hyundai Motor, SK Hynix, LS-Nikko Copper, Kookmin Bank, Canon Korea, Kelly Services, Transcosmos Korea, law firms Kim & Chang, Gwangjang, Bae, Kim & Lee, and Yulchon.
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