During the first meeting of the 2026 Trade Policy Advisory Committee held at the Seoul Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Yeo said, "We will implement proactive trade policies to directly address corporate challenges while demonstrating leadership in international trade norms to realize a trade policy centered on national interests."
The Trade Policy Advisory Committee, a private advisory body of the Ministry, consists of 30 experts from various fields to gather opinions on trade policy. This meeting marked the first gathering of the newly formed committee following the expiration of the sixth term earlier this year.
The newly launched seventh committee has been strengthened with experts in emerging industries such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital industries, and consumer goods, maintaining a total of 30 members.
Participants discussed the rapidly changing global trade environment and shared opinions on policy tasks aimed at expanding export markets and stabilizing supply chains. They also proposed various suggestions on key trade issues, including participation in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) as a means to expand trade networks and enhance market access for South Korean companies.
The CPTPP, a multilateral trade agreement led by Japan, has included 12 countries since its launch in 2018, including Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The member countries account for 15% of the world's GDP, prompting the South Korean government to explore membership. However, domestic opposition and international approval processes remain significant variables.
The Ministry stated, "We will broadly gather opinions on trade policy through various public-private communication channels, including the Trade Policy Advisory Committee, and plan to respond effectively to the rapidly changing global trade environment."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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