President Yoon nominates trade expert as new industry minister

Minister for Trade Ahn Duk-geun, who was nominated as the next minister of trade, industry and energy, speaks during a media briefing at the presidential office in Seoul, Sunday. Yonhap

President Yoon Suk Yeol nominated Minister for Trade Ahn Duk-geun to replace Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Bang Moon-kyu, Sunday.

Presidential chief of staff Kim Dae-ki said that Yoon picked Ahn as the next industry minister, as he is an expert in the field of international trade and commerce who has proven his ability in coping with a variety of pending issues while having served as the trade representative of the ministry.

“Based on his rich network, Ahn is expected to give our economy a boost and expand our economic territory by increasing exports, nurturing key strategic industries and reforming regulations,” Kim said during a media briefing.

In response, Ahn, who was present at the briefing, said, “I will keenly communicate with companies based on the global network that I have built and do the best to lead innovation and growth of domestic firms in the global market.”

Born in 1968, Ahn earned his bachelor’s degree in international economics at Seoul National University (SNU) and earned a doctoral degree at the University of Michigan.

He also served as a professor at SNU’s Graduate School of International Studies.

The nomination came just three months after Bang was appointed to the position. After stepping down, he is anticipated to run in the general elections slated for April.

Regarding Bang’s quicker-than-expected resignation, a high-level official from the presidential office said Bang, if elected as a lawmaker, would continue to work for the country at the National Assembly.

“We don’t think Bang’s resignation as the minister will bring about damage to the country,” the official said.