Yoon, Compared to Trump, "Activating Financial, Trade, and Industry Forums... Expectations for Shipbuilding, Oil, and Chemicals"

Economic and Security Review Ahead of New US Administration Launch
"Civil Servants Must Meet Many Business Officials Directly"
"Please Oversee US Cooperation Progress in AI, Bio, and Quantum"

Yonhap News

President Yoon Suk-yeol on the 10th urged to "immediately activate the meeting bodies in the three major sectors of finance, trade, and industry, with the Deputy Prime Minister for Economy as the control tower, to monitor the market and prepare thoroughly" in anticipation of the Trump administration's inauguration.

On the afternoon of the same day, President Yoon presided over the 'Economic and Security Review Meeting in Response to Changes in External Conditions' at the Yongsan Presidential Office and said, "Even before the (Trump) administration takes office, there are already anticipated policy directions, so the international market has begun to react."

President Yoon stated, "Once the new administration in Washington takes office and new policy directions are set, there will be significant changes in the global economy and security," adding, "Accordingly, since these will have direct and indirect impacts on our economy and security, meticulous preparations are necessary."

President Yoon identified 'trade' as the sector expected to undergo the greatest changes, explaining, "While companies must make their own judgments and efforts, government support greatly influences industry and corporate competitiveness, so close communication with the industry is essential."

He emphasized, "Officials should not just sit at desks and talk among themselves but meet many business representatives directly to understand how they feel and how this affects corporate management and the market through direct dialogue."

President Yoon said, "Our current livelihoods depend largely on semiconductors and automobiles, but shipbuilding is now actively moving, and if the new U.S. administration adopts a somewhat flexible policy on fossil fuels, our somewhat stagnant petrochemical sector might regain its former status."

He added, "For future strategic industries like artificial intelligence (AI), advanced bio, and quantum technologies, cooperation among allied countries is very important, so I hope cooperation with the U.S. continues and further develops in these areas."

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In the defense sector, he explained, "Based on the strong Korea-U.S. alliance, maintain a firm deterrence against North Korea and prepare meticulously so that both sides can have proper leadership for peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region."

President Yoon noted, "There could be significant structural changes in the security sector as well," adding, "Since security is a sensitive matter, please carefully consider whether it can be changed drastically all at once."

He emphasized, "It is important to identify various issues that can directly or indirectly affect the economy and security, discuss them, and share information," adding, "In this process, the president, who ultimately must decide on diplomatic negotiations, created this opportunity to share much with you all."

He continued, "Over the next two months, the Trump administration's transition process will be underway. Let us operate public channels through the media and various other information channels to ensure that our citizens and companies can operate in overseas markets without disruption, with strong government support."

Regarding a phone call with President-elect Trump on the 7th, President Yoon said, "We agreed to arrange a time to meet as soon as possible to foster friendship and dialogue."

The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Strategy and Finance Choi Sang-mok, Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul, Minister of Unification Kim Young-ho, Minister of National Defense Kim Yong-hyun, and Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Ahn Deok-geun. From the Presidential Office, Chief of Staff Jeong Jin-seok, National Security Office Director Shin Won-sik, Policy Office Director Sung Tae-yoon, and other aides were present.