Government Requests Semiconductor Cooperation from the Netherlands: "Korea's Role Crucial in Supply Chain"

Netherlands Proposes Bill to Increase Sanctions Pressure on China

The government requested cooperation regarding the Netherlands' export restrictions on semiconductor equipment to China. It urged efforts to ensure that domestic companies do not face disruptions in semiconductor production within China.

On the 14th, Ahn Deok-geun, Director-General for Trade Negotiations at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, met with the Dutch trade delegation at the JW Marriott Hotel in Seoul to discuss cooperation in the fields of semiconductors, batteries, nuclear power, and energy.

The Dutch trade delegation is visiting Korea from the 13th to the 15th. They came to Korea following the Korea-Netherlands summit held in November last year. The delegation includes Liesje Schreinemacher, Dutch Minister for Trade and Development Cooperation, the chairman of the Dutch Employers' Federation, and co-CEOs of NXP (a semiconductor company), totaling over 80 members.

Anduk Geun, Director General for Trade Negotiations, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

On the same day, Director-General Ahn held a 'Semiconductor Business Meeting' where semiconductor officials from both countries exchanged views on the Netherlands' semiconductor export control policies. Emphasizing the importance of domestic companies' roles in the global semiconductor supply chain, he requested efforts to prevent difficulties in semiconductor production. Previously, the Netherlands announced plans to expand the list of semiconductor equipment items banned for export to China.

Director-General Ahn also requested that the European Union (EU) reflect the positions of domestic companies in the battery legislation expected to be introduced this year. He urged ASML, the leading Dutch semiconductor equipment company, to continue expanding its investments in Korea and to strengthen cooperation between companies.

On the same day, the trade delegation signed a total of seven Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with domestic companies including POSCO International. In the case of POSCO International, an MOU was signed with Hart Hyperloop, a Dutch hyperloop (future ultra-high-speed transportation) company, which includes a detailed business execution plan.