Paris: South Korea and France have agreed to establish a cooperation channel focusing on strategic industries, trade, and supply chains in an effort to deepen economic ties, as announced by Seoul's industry ministry.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan engaged in discussions with Roland Lescure, France's minister for the economy, finance, industry, energy, and digital sovereignty, in Paris. This meeting took place on the sidelines of President Lee Jae Myung's visit to France. The two nations have agreed to initiate a "strategic industrial dialogue," a ministerial-level platform aimed at addressing trade issues and industrial policies.
Minister Kim emphasized the government's commitment to utilizing this newly established ministerial dialogue to address challenges faced by Korean companies in France. Additionally, the dialogue will serve as a platform to explore new cooperation projects in advanced industries and supply chains.
During the talks, Minister Kim urged France to improve its electric vehicle (EV) subsidy scheme to ensure that Korean-made EVs are treated fairly in the French market. He expressed appreciation for the European Union's Industrial Acceleration Act (IAA), highlighting that it signifies the bloc's intention to extend benefits to key partner countries.
Minister Kim also requested that Paris support South Korea's efforts to receive treatment equivalent to that of EU member states, emphasizing South Korea's role as a trusted key industrial partner of the bloc.