박정성 새 통상본부장 “대미 현안에 흔들림 없는 대응 중요”

New Commerce Deputy Pal Byung-sung emphasized the importance of maintaining a steadfast response to the US-Mexico trade deal amid ongoing negotiations. On the 26th, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy convened the 59th Trade Promotion Committee at the Government Complex in Seoul, bringing together relations from various government agencies.

During this inaugural meeting, discussions focused on the US trade deal, future response plans, the ongoing negotiations with Argentina and Uruguay, the status of key 20-nation G20 trade topics, and their respective response plans. The government prioritized examining tariffs, non-tariff barriers, and US investments, as well as reviewing future response strategies.

Strengthening inter-agency communication and coordination was deemed essential to ensure a swift and effective government response to any changes in the situation, thereby supporting stable export and investment for domestic enterprises. Diversifying trade networks was also under discussion. The government examined the possibility of negotiating a bilateral agreement with Argentina and Uruguay, both of which have historically had limited trade networks.

Additionally, the government sought to expand cooperation partnerships with major South American countries that currently lack robust trade networks. Ahead of the upcoming G20 trade ministers' meeting on the 30th, the New Commerce Deputy highlighted the shared progress on key topics and the importance of reflecting Korea's stance at the international stage.

Pal Byung-sung urged the relations of various agencies to maintain close communication on the situation and consolidate their capabilities to work collectively as a team. Pal Byung-sung assumed the role of New Commerce Deputy on the 21st and took office on the 24th. With a 30-year career in trade and commerce policy, Pal has served as the deputy director of the Trade and Investment Division at the Ministry of Industry and as the trade deputy to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He has also participated in recent US tariff and investment negotiations, including serving as the joint director of the World Trade Organization's Investment Framework Negotiations and the senior task force member for US tariff negotiations.