Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Ahn Dukgeun stated that he would "work to find a solution as quickly as possible through the Korea-U.S. '2+2 talks'" regarding the automobile industry, which has suffered significant damage due to the United States' imposition of 25% tariffs on specific items.
On the morning of April 23, before departing from Incheon International Airport to attend the Korea-U.S. '2+2' high-level trade talks in Washington, D.C., Ahn told reporters, "I will approach the negotiations calmly and prudently," adding the above remarks.
Ahn explained, "We plan to discuss issues such as trade imbalances, cooperation in the shipbuilding industry, and energy cooperation. We aim to establish a foundation for consultations so that both countries can continue this cooperation and take a leading role in the future."
Regarding the possibility that the issue of increasing defense cost-sharing, as occurred during the U.S.-Japan negotiations, might unexpectedly arise as an agenda item, he said, "We are well aware of the situation in Japan, and we are keeping that possibility open and preparing for it."
When asked whether the absence of a president and the early presidential election phase might hinder the negotiations, he replied, "We will do our utmost with what we can do now, and if more time is needed, we will coordinate closely with the next administration to ensure a smooth handover and do our best to protect our industries."
In addition to the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the joint delegation for this Korea-U.S. 2+2 high-level consultation includes officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Science and ICT, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and the Ministry of Health and Welfare.
Aside from the 2+2 talks, Minister Ahn also plans to hold separate consultations with Jamieson Greer, the representative of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
