Kang Ki-jung, Fair Trade Commission Chairman, Urges Korea Fair Trade Mediation Agency to "Strengthen Dispute Resolution Role"

Chairman Han Ki-jung of the Fair Trade Commission visited the Korea Fair Trade Mediation Agency and urged the strengthening of the agency's alternative dispute resolution role.

On the 3rd, Chairman Han Ki-jung received a report on the 2023 work plan of the Korea Fair Trade Mediation Agency. At this meeting, the agency reported that it will focus on improving the dispute mediation system to protect the rights and interests of small and medium-sized enterprises and small business owners from unfair trade practices this year, expanding the comprehensive support targets in the supplier-buyer sector, spreading a culture of voluntary compliance with fair trade, and promoting research to lead the development of fair trade systems.

After receiving the work report, Chairman Han urged the strengthening of the alternative dispute resolution role that can complement the Fair Trade Commission’s law enforcement. He stated, “The dispute mediation, CP evaluation (Compliance Program for Fair Trade), and various support center operations for small business owners and self-employed individuals handled by the agency are alternative dispute resolution means that can complement the Fair Trade Commission’s law enforcement,” adding, “If these means are well established, fair market functions will operate more effectively.”

He also requested efforts to secure professional personnel to strengthen the increasingly complex dispute mediation. Chairman Han said, “The agency’s decision to introduce an expert appraisal system and form a panel of experts in the subcontracting sector will be a good example,” and added, “If expertise in disputes by sector is strengthened and the substance is solidified, the credibility of dispute mediation through the agency will be enhanced.”

He also emphasized strengthening the think tank role in the field of fair trade. Chairman Han said, “I understand that the agency is not only engaged in dispute mediation but also actively conducting research for the development of fair trade systems,” and added, “Based on the accumulated market analysis and research on transaction behaviors so far, I ask for timely research that can proactively respond to new law and economic issues.”