[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Kim Hyewon] U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris stated on the 27th that regarding concerns about discrimination against Korean electric vehicles under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), "We will continue to seek solutions in close consultation with the Korean side."
Vice President Harris, who is visiting Japan to attend the state funeral of the late former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, met with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo at the Okura Hotel in Tokyo on the same day. The Prime Minister's Office reported on the 27th that Harris said, "We are well aware of the concerns of the Korean side." Prime Minister Han also visited Japan on the same day to attend Abe's state funeral.
Vice President Harris's remarks were a response to Prime Minister Han conveying the concerns of the Korean industry regarding the discriminatory elements of the IRA against Korean electric vehicles during their talks.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Han mentioned, "As confirmed by the Korean and U.S. leaders at last week's United Nations General Assembly, let us continue consultations between the two countries to prepare appropriate measures to resolve these concerns."
Both sides evaluated that economic cooperation between the two countries is gradually expanding as an important pillar of the Korea-U.S. alliance, and agreed to continue developing it as an economic security and technology alliance that provides benefits tangible to the people of both countries. Prime Minister Han told Vice President Harris, who is scheduled to visit Korea on the 29th, "Following President Biden's visit to Korea last May, this will be another symbol demonstrating the strength of the Korea-U.S. alliance," and added, "As we mark the 70th anniversary of the Korea-U.S. alliance next year, let us create an opportunity to further advance Korea-U.S. relations."
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