Seoul: Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok has urged the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to assume a more proactive role in addressing the escalating global uncertainties and trade tensions, the finance ministry reported on Sunday. Choi articulated his perspective during the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC) meeting in Washington, D.C., on Friday, where global finance leaders convened to discuss economic trends and the evolving responsibilities of the IMF.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Choi, who also serves as the deputy prime minister for economic affairs, emphasized the critical role of the IMF as a "trusted adviser" amidst rising trade-related risks and global instability. He urged the organization to offer customized policy analyses and recommendations to aid member countries in navigating the increasingly unpredictable economic landscape.

Choi highlighted that structural challenges, such as climate change and trade policy risks, are disproportionately impacting low-income and vulnerable nations. He called on the IMF to continue its support for these countries. In addition to his participation in the IMFC meeting, Choi engaged in bilateral discussions with his German counterpart, Jorg Kukies, on Thursday, and Valdis Dombrovskis, executive vice president of the European Commission, on Friday. These talks focused on the importance of maintaining a multilateral trade system and addressing global economic imbalances.

Furthermore, Choi met with Marie Diron, global head of Moody's Investors Service, to deliver a comprehensive briefing on South Korea's economic outlook and the government's policy direction. The finance minister is expected to return to Seoul later on Sunday after completing a series of high-level trade negotiations with U.S. President Donald Trump's administration and participating in several key economic meetings.