Seoul: Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo met with a delegation from Mouvement des Entreprises de France (MEDEF), France’s largest business association, to discuss cooperation in energy, supply chains, and advanced industries. The meeting, which took place on Thursday, was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen ties between South Korea and France, as noted by Yeo’s office.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the discussion was attended by Francois Jackow, chairman of the France-South Korea Business Council of MEDEF, along with officials from 16 French companies such as Air Liquide, TotalEnergies, Veolia, and OPmobility. This meeting was strategically scheduled before the summit between South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and French President Emmanuel Macron, which is set to occur on Friday in Seoul.
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources reported that Yeo and the French business leaders explored various ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries in advanced industries, energy, and supply chains. This comes at a time of increased geopolitical and economic uncertainties on a global scale.
Yeo emphasized the essential nature of bilateral cooperation in strategic industries, including semiconductors, eco-friendly vehicles, and low-carbon supply chains. He stated that integrating technologies and industrial infrastructure between South Korea and France would bolster their competitiveness in the global market.
The ministry also highlighted Yeo’s commitment to fostering a stable investment environment for global companies operating in South Korea, underscoring Seoul’s determination to maintain and enhance international business relations.