Andeokgeun, Director General of Trade at the Ministry of Industry, "Promoting the Enactment of the High-Level Radioactive Waste Special Act"

[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Dongwoo Lee] Ahn Deok-geun, head of the Trade Negotiation Headquarters at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, announced on the 31st that "a special law for the establishment of a high-level radioactive waste disposal site is being promoted."

On the same day, Head Ahn held a meeting with Timo Harakka, Minister of Transport and Communications of Finland, and discussed ways to expand and strengthen cooperation with Finland, a leading country in high-level radioactive waste disposal facilities.

The government established the 2nd Basic Plan for High-Level Radioactive Waste Management in December 2021 and announced a draft roadmap for high-level radioactive waste research and development (R&D) in July last year.

Head Ahn said, "Finland is a country strong in IT and digital fields, having nurtured Nokia, and is also the location of the 'Korea Startup Center,' so there is great potential for cooperation between the two countries in advanced industries. Through this visit to Korea, I hope that active exchanges and cooperation between companies of both countries will lead to concrete results such as joint ventures and joint research."

He added, "In the future, once direct flights between Busan and Helsinki commence and Busan hosts the 2030 World Expo, it will become a major hub connecting Korea and Europe, greatly contributing to the economic development of both countries."

Meanwhile, Minister Harakka visited Korea from the 29th to the 31st as the head of an economic delegation consisting of 37 officials from advanced industries such as 5G·6G (mobile communications), quantum technology, and space, commemorating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Finland.

Anduk Geun, Head of Trade Negotiations at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, attended the seminar titled "Is the Korea-US Economic Security Alliance Fine as It Is? - Issues and Responses to the US Inflation Reduction Act" held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building on the 20th, and delivered a greeting./Photo by Dongju Yoon doso7@