Government and Academia Unite for Economic Security... Launch of the 'International Trade Security Forum'

Ye Han-gu, Chief Negotiator for Trade, Speaking
(Seoul=Yonhap News) Reporter Lee Jae-hee = On the afternoon of the 16th, Ye Han-gu, Chief Negotiator for Trade, is speaking at the 14th Trade Negotiation Private Advisory Committee meeting held at Lotte Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul. 2022.2.16
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[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Lee Junhyung] The 'International Trade Security Forum,' which brings together the government and academia to strengthen economic security, has been launched.

The Trade Negotiations Headquarters of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on the 17th that it had launched the International Trade Security Forum together with the Korean Association of International Politics and held its first meeting. This forum was established to enhance discussions on new trade policies related to the international economy and security. Attending the meeting were Yeo Hangoo, head of the Trade Negotiations Headquarters at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, and Kim Sangbae, president of the Korean Association of International Politics. Head Yeo said, "The three core pillars that make up international trade security are industry, trade, and energy security," adding, "We will promote trade policies that consider various aspects from a security perspective on pressing issues such as supply chains and technological competition."

At the first meeting, three agenda items were discussed: the geopolitical impact of US-China competition, key contents and implications of the US Indo-Pacific strategy, and the current status of advanced technology competition. Professor Kim Heungkyu of Ajou University pointed out that as US-China competition intensifies, the industrial economy must also focus on security. He emphasized the need for future policies that balance trade and security considerations. President Kim analyzed that recent technological competition is intertwined with geopolitical issues. He further suggested that strategic responses are necessary for South Korea as a middle power and a leading trade nation.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy intends to reflect security perspectives in the process of establishing trade policies such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the US Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF). Additionally, the ministry plans to regularize the International Trade Security Forum to serve as a representative channel for discussing national trade and security issues.