Hwang Jong-woo, Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, announced that the government is preparing specific support measures to address potential damages to the fishing industry resulting from the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) membership. He stated that existing support programs for fishermen, such as tax-exempt fuel for fishing vessels and fisheries management stabilization funds, will continue after joining the CPTPP.
During a comprehensive audit by the National Assembly's Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs Committee on October 23, Minister Hwang responded to a question from Lee Yang-soo, a member of the ruling People Power Party, regarding compensation measures for fishermen affected by CPTPP membership, saying, "We are currently preparing them."
Lee emphasized that before pursuing CPTPP membership, the government should present concrete measures that the fishing industry can accept. He pointed out that the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy has shown a strong commitment to joining the CPTPP, and thus the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries should not only focus on persuading fishermen but also develop substantial support measures at the government level.
Previously, Kim Jeong-kwan, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, expressed his intention to promote CPTPP membership during a comprehensive audit of the National Assembly's Industry, Trade, and Small and Medium Enterprises Committee.
Lee also noted that there is a lack of trust among fishermen regarding the government's promises of support during previous free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations, as adequate measures have not been implemented on the ground. He stressed the need to present practical compensation plans before attempting to persuade fishermen about the market opening associated with CPTPP membership.
In response, Minister Hwang stated that relevant measures are being developed and that he will explain the government's support plans at a meeting next week aimed at fishermen regarding CPTPP-related matters.
The continuation of existing support programs for fishermen was also a key issue during the audit. Lee focused on whether support for tax-exempt fuel, fisheries management stabilization funds, and fishing vessel modernization grants might be reduced or restricted after joining the CPTPP.
Minister Hwang assured that these programs could continue, clarifying that existing support measures would not be immediately halted or reduced due to CPTPP membership. Lee urged the government to ensure that existing support remains intact, given the significant concerns among fishermen about potential reductions.
The issue of damages to the fishing industry resulting from CPTPP membership was also a topic of controversy during a National Assembly audit of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries on October 12. At that time, concerns were raised that the government's estimated damage to the fishing industry, amounting to 81.7 billion won, did not adequately account for indirect damages from increased imports. Minister Hwang indicated that additional analysis of indirect damages is underway.
The CPTPP is a multilateral free trade agreement involving countries in the Asia-Pacific region, with the potential for expanded market access for seafood raising concerns about possible damages to domestic fisheries. As the government's push for membership intensifies, discussions regarding damage assessments, compensation plans, and the maintenance of existing support programs for the fishing industry are expected to continue.
Additionally, the audit addressed the consolidation of four port authorities: Busan, Incheon, Ulsan, and Yeosu-Gwangyang. Minister Hwang stated that the government would review the integration of these authorities under the provisional name 'Korea Port Authority' in a manner that does not undermine port competitiveness. This initiative is part of the government's plan announced in September to reform the functions of public institutions, which includes merging the four port authorities and consolidating port security and management agencies under the proposed 'Korea Port Security Facility Corporation.'
* This article has been translated by AI.
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