Seoul to seek close supply chain ties with US regardless of election outcome: trade minister
Trade Minister Cheong In-kyo, right, speaks during a meeting at the Korea Chamber of Commerce in Seoul, Oct. 17. Yonhap
Korea will continue to pursue close supply chain cooperation with the United States regardless of the outcome of the upcoming U.S. presidential election, the trade minister said Tuesday.
Trade Minister Cheong In-kyo made the statement during a meeting with experts to prepare for the outcome of the U.S. election, slated for Nov. 5 (U.S. time), according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
"Regardless of the election outcome, Korea will work to strengthen ties with Washington in areas such as cutting-edge industries and supply chains, leveraging the existing channels of cooperation," Cheong said.
"The trade authorities will also fulfill their duty to assist Korean companies in easing uncertainties and overcoming challenges in their operations," Cheong added, emphasizing that the U.S. is a "very important" ally in terms of exports and investment.
During the meeting, Heo Yoon, a professor at Seoul's Sogang University, noted that regardless of the result, the U.S. is expected to continue prioritizing its national interests, underscoring the importance of coordination between the government and the private sector.
The ministry said that the government will maintain close communication with businesses to prepare for uncertainties in the trade sector as "one team" following the election. (Yonhap)