Yoo Myung-hee Requests Australian Trade Minister to "Positively Consider Allowing Businesspeople Entry"

Philippine Trade Minister: "Community Quarantine Measures Reduce Operations of Our Companies... Requesting Attention and Support"

Yoo Myung-hee, Minister for Trade of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, is seen having a video conference with Simon Birmingham, Minister for Trade, Investment and Tourism of Australia, at her office in the Government Complex Sejong on the 27th. In her greeting, Minister Yoo requested a proactive review of allowing entry for Korean businesspeople despite the COVID-19 situation. They also discussed essential ongoing exchanges and cooperation between the two countries, including international cooperation measures for COVID-19 response and trade negotiation issues. (Photo by Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy)

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] Yoo Myung-hee, the Chief Negotiator for Trade at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, requested the Australian side to proactively consider allowing entry for Korean businesspeople despite the serious situation of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

On the 27th, Chief Negotiator Yoo made this request during a phone call with Simon Birmingham, Minister for Trade, Investment and Tourism of Australia.

Yoo told Minister Birmingham, "Korea and Australia are mutually important trading partners," adding, "Although the COVID-19 situation continues, maintaining business exchanges between countries is more important than ever, so please proactively consider allowing entry for our businesspeople."

Chief Negotiator Yoo highly praised the Korea-Australia Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as a solid platform for promoting trade between the two countries. He also proposed holding the 4th Korea-Australia Joint Committee meeting as soon as the COVID-19 situation stabilizes.

Yoo also held a video conference with Ramon M. Lopez, Minister of Trade and Industry of the Philippines. He explained to Minister Lopez that Korean companies operating locally are facing difficulties such as reduced operations due to community quarantine measures in the Philippines, and requested the Philippine government's attention and support to resolve these issues.

Both countries also evaluated that significant consensus has been reached on the Korea-Philippines FTA. They agreed on the goal of continuing negotiations with a sense of urgency to reach a swift conclusion.

Meanwhile, Minister Birmingham and Minister Lopez evaluated the results of the 29th Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) video conference held last week and agreed to mutually cooperate to ensure the signing proceeds smoothly within this year.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.