PM says S. Korea, Japan, others can jointly respond to changing trade order

▲ Prime Minister Kim Min-seok gives remarks during a counterterrorism drill in the southeastern city of Gyeongju on Sept. 26, 2025. (Yonhap)

PM-Asia cooperation

PM says S. Korea, Japan, others can jointly respond to changing trade order

By Lee Haye-ah

SEOUL, Oct. 2 (Yonhap) -- Prime Minister Kim Min-seok said Thursday that South Korea, Japan and other Asian nations can jointly respond to the changing trade order amid unprecedented uncertainties in the global economy.

Kim made the remark during a forum hosted by The Korea Herald as he underscored the importance of cooperation between Asian countries, which account for nearly half of the world's gross domestic product.

"With the economic slowdown, rising geopolitical tensions, realignment of global supply chains and rapid changes to the trade order, it is in fact a wave," he said, before also listing the challenges of AI and a major energy transition.

"We cannot overcome these crises and challenges through the efforts of individual countries alone," he said. "I believe that Asian nations, including South Korea and Japan, can jointly respond to the polycrisis that includes the changing trade order."

Kim mentioned South Korea's free trade agreements with countries, such as China, India and Vietnam, and noted that FTA negotiations are under way with other Asian nations.

He said talks are under way to resume negotiations for a trilateral FTA involving South Korea, China and Japan, while Seoul reviews whether to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

On the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit to be held in the southeastern city of Gyeongju on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, the prime minister said South Korea plans to share its future vision for AI as it seeks to ensure cutting-edge technologies contribute to global innovation and prosperity.

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