Minister Ahn to Visit the U.S. on the 20th and 21st
Meetings Scheduled with U.S. Secretary of Commerce and Secretary of Energy
On the 20th, before departing for the United States, Ahn Deok-geun, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, said regarding the designation of 'sensitive countries,' "The U.S. government has officially expressed concerns about technology security issues, and we will consult with the U.S. Department of Energy to find solutions."
Minister Ahn met with reporters at Incheon Airport and said, "We plan to find alternatives to ensure that there are no problems in our industrial and technological cooperation, including requests for removal from the designation."
Earlier, in January, the U.S. government included South Korea in the 'Sensitive Country List (SCL),' which targets countries that may pose a threat to national security or have unstable political situations. The designation will take effect on the 15th of next month. The South Korean government intends to consult with the U.S. until the list becomes effective. Once on the SCL, the U.S. Department of Energy may restrict sharing of national security-related technologies, personnel exchanges, joint research, and project participation in research cooperation.
Minister Ahn is scheduled to meet with Chris Wright, U.S. Secretary of Energy, to discuss this matter.
During his visit to the U.S., Minister Ahn will also discuss ways to strengthen energy cooperation between South Korea and the U.S. He said, "We will discuss overall energy cooperation matters and also consult on issues related to the private sector."
He added, "Diversifying import sources is an important part of domestic energy security. However, specific import volumes and conditions will be negotiated practically according to market conditions."
Minister Ahn will also meet again with Gina Raimondo, U.S. Secretary of Commerce, to reiterate the South Korean government's position on tariff measures. Previously, the U.S. announced it would release country-specific reciprocal tariff rates on the 2nd of next month.
Minister Ahn stated, "We plan to emphasize the contribution of our companies to the U.S. economy through mutually beneficial cooperation such as investment in the U.S. and actively request non-discriminatory treatment for our country."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
