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ECCK Hosts Luncheon Meeting with Trade Minister Yeo Han-Koo
On 8 April, the European Chamber of Commerce in Korea (ECCK) hosted a Luncheon Meeting with Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo, bringing together senior representatives from ECCK member companies as well as H.E. Ambassador Ugo Astuto from the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Korea.
In his opening remarks, Philippe van Hoof, Chairperson of the ECCK, underscored the importance of further strengthening cooperation between Korea and Europe amid an increasingly uncertain global landscape. He reaffirmed ECCK’s role as a bridge connecting European and Korean businesses, while expressing the Chamber’s commitment to fostering closer collaboration with Korean partners.
Ambassador Astuto likewise highlighted the value of Korea and the EU as trusted partners, expressing his expectation that cooperation will continue to deepen across key areas such as energy, the economy, and digital security.
In his keynote address, Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo emphasised that enhanced cooperation between Korea—equipped with strong competitiveness in advanced industries such as semiconductors and batteries—and the EU, a leader in setting global standards, would generate significant synergies. He noted that bilateral cooperation should evolve beyond trade and investment into a more comprehensive strategic partnership encompassing critical minerals, clean energy, supply chains, and advanced technologies.
Approximately 40 representatives from European companies across sectors including automotive, infrastructure, chemicals and consumer goods actively participated in the discussion. During the Q&A session, participants raised various issues related to market access, to which Minister Yeo responded directly. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making active use of the Korea–EU FTA implementation mechanisms to closely review relevant systems and regulations, while continuing consultations through bilateral economic cooperation channels.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources indicated that it will further strengthen engagement with the EU to ensure tangible outcomes at the upcoming ministerial-level Korea–EU Next Generation Strategy Dialogue and the FTA Trade Committee scheduled later this month.
ECCK Hosts Luncheon Meeting with Trade Minister Yeo Han-Koo
On 8 April, the European Chamber of Commerce in Korea (ECCK) hosted a Luncheon Meeting with Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo, bringing together senior representatives from ECCK member companies as well as H.E. Ambassador Ugo Astuto from the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Korea.
In his opening remarks, Philippe van Hoof, Chairperson of the ECCK, underscored the importance of further strengthening cooperation between Korea and Europe amid an increasingly uncertain global landscape. He reaffirmed ECCK’s role as a bridge connecting European and Korean businesses, while expressing the Chamber’s commitment to fostering closer collaboration with Korean partners.
Ambassador Astuto likewise highlighted the value of Korea and the EU as trusted partners, expressing his expectation that cooperation will continue to deepen across key areas such as energy, the economy, and digital security.
In his keynote address, Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo emphasised that enhanced cooperation between Korea—equipped with strong competitiveness in advanced industries such as semiconductors and batteries—and the EU, a leader in setting global standards, would generate significant synergies. He noted that bilateral cooperation should evolve beyond trade and investment into a more comprehensive strategic partnership encompassing critical minerals, clean energy, supply chains, and advanced technologies.
Approximately 40 representatives from European companies across sectors including automotive, infrastructure, chemicals and consumer goods actively participated in the discussion. During the Q&A session, participants raised various issues related to market access, to which Minister Yeo responded directly. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making active use of the Korea–EU FTA implementation mechanisms to closely review relevant systems and regulations, while continuing consultations through bilateral economic cooperation channels.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources indicated that it will further strengthen engagement with the EU to ensure tangible outcomes at the upcoming ministerial-level Korea–EU Next Generation Strategy Dialogue and the FTA Trade Committee scheduled later this month.