Anduk Geun, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, stated on the 9th that he hopes to finalize the contract for the Czech nuclear power plant project "by the end of April or at the latest early May."
On the same day, Minister Ahn attended the plenary meeting of the National Assembly's Industry, Trade, Energy, Small and Medium Enterprises Committee and said, "The document work has been completed, and legal reviews and board procedures are underway locally."
Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power was selected as the preferred negotiator for the approximately 24 trillion won Czech nuclear power plant project in July last year. The original plan was to finalize the contract by March this year, but it has been delayed due to local circumstances.
Regarding the U.S. Department of Energy adding Korea to the sensitive countries list, effective from the 15th, he said, "The official explanation from the U.S. Department of Energy regarding the addition to the sensitive countries list is 'technology security issues,' and practical consultations are ongoing." He added, "When I met with Energy Secretary Chris Wright this time, there was a very strong consensus on bilateral cooperation in the nuclear power sector."
When asked about responses to the U.S. reciprocal tariff measures, Minister Ahn emphasized, "The shipbuilding sector is a very important card in tariff negotiations with the U.S." He said, "The Trump administration has shown great interest in Korea-U.S. shipbuilding cooperation," and added, "Since the shipbuilding industry's capabilities have been declining since World War II, the U.S. has high expectations for Korea's shipbuilding technology and manufacturing capabilities."
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