(profile) Trade expert named S. Korea's new trade minister

SEOUL, August 21 (Yonhap) -- Park Jung-sung, appointed as South Korea's new trade minister on Friday, is a highly experienced trade official with a focus on international trade and policy matters. At 54 years old, Park holds a degree in economics from Seoul National University and a law degree from Nova Southeastern University in the United States. After passing the national examination in 1996, he embarked on a civil service career and has since occupied several pivotal roles in economic and trade policy-making.

Park played a significant role in the World Trade Organization's (WTO) Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) Agreement negotiations, serving as a co-coordinator. Additionally, he acted as the lead working-level negotiator for a task force focused on U.S. tariff negotiations within the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources. In November of the previous year, Park was elevated to the position of vice trade minister, where he oversaw trade and investment negotiations, particularly those involving the United States.

With his extensive background and expertise in trade and investment negotiations, Park is poised to effectively maintain continuity in these critical discussions. As trade issues continue to pose challenges, particularly in efforts to promote investment projects in the United States, Park's position as the new trade minister appears to offer a strategic advantage in navigating the complex landscape of international trade relations.