Minister Andeokgeun Meets with Czech Ambassador to Korea
Economic Six Organizations Also Attend to Explore Comprehensive and Full Cooperation Expansion Between the Two Countries
Anduk Geun, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, expressed his gratitude on the 22nd during a meeting with Ivan Jan??rek, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Korea, for Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power being selected as the preferred negotiator for the new nuclear power plant project in the Czech Republic, and urged both countries to closely cooperate to ensure the successful promotion of the new nuclear power plant project.
On the 17th, the Czech Republic selected Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power as the preferred negotiator for the new nuclear power plant project, the largest investment project in Czech history. This achievement marks the first success in 15 years since winning the Barakah nuclear power plant project in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2009, establishing a foothold for entry into the European nuclear power market, the birthplace of nuclear power.
During the meeting, Minister Ahn emphasized, "The Czech government's fair bidding process and reasonable evaluation have once again showcased the excellence of the Korean nuclear power industry to the world," and added, "We were able to reaffirm the trust built over 34 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries."
He continued, "I hope that the two countries will build a unified nuclear power ecosystem together," and proposed, "Let us establish a cooperative system encompassing all areas of nuclear power, including not only nuclear power plant construction but also workforce training, technology development, joint ventures in third countries, and cooperation on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)." Minister Ahn added, "While the governments of both countries regularly consult on negotiation issues for concluding the new nuclear power plant project contract, we will comprehensively and thoroughly expand economic cooperation with the Czech Republic through nuclear cooperation as a medium."
Additionally, Minister Ahn highlighted that since the elevation of relations to a strategic partnership in 2015, trade between the two countries has continuously expanded, reaching a record high of $4.4 billion in 2023, underscoring the Czech Republic as a key economic cooperation partner for Korea. He also expressed hope that ahead of the 35th anniversary of Korea-Czech diplomatic relations next year, economic cooperation will deepen and expand in various fields including nuclear power, advanced industries and technologies, and transportation infrastructure, leading the closely-knit relationship between the two countries to develop into a completely new level of partnership.
Meanwhile, six major economic organizations including the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Federation of Korean Industries, the Korea International Trade Association, the Korea Federation of SMEs, the Korea Association of Mid-sized Enterprises, and the Korea Employers Federation also attended the meeting, expressing their strong commitment to economic cooperation between the two countries.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
