Director Yoo Myung-hee Proposes Non-Tariff Barrier Reduction on Medical Supplies to 13 Countries

Participation in WTO Reform Small Group Video Ministerial Meeting

Photo by Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] Yoo Myung-hee, the Chief Negotiator for Trade of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, proposed the easing of non-tariff barriers on medical supplies during a video conference with ministers from 13 countries including Canada.

On the 15th at 8 p.m., Yoo attended the World Trade Organization (WTO) reform small group, known as the Ottawa Group, video ministerial meeting held at the Sejong Government Complex and suggested initiating discussions on easing non-tariff barriers for medical devices.

The Ottawa Group, chaired by Canada, was formed in 2018 by 13 countries including Korea, the European Union (EU), Switzerland, Norway, Japan, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, and Kenya to lead WTO reform discussions.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy explained that the video conference was held based on a consensus among these countries that they must actively contribute to overcoming the COVID-19 crisis.

Chief Negotiator Yoo emphasized that the COVID-19 situation confirmed the importance of ensuring the smooth flow of pharmaceuticals.

He proposed that major countries ease related review and certification requirements and engage in discussions to improve non-tariff barriers such as regulatory harmonization between countries and simplification of customs procedures.

Yoo viewed the recent explosive increase in pharmaceutical trade as a result of major countries allowing non-face-to-face reviews and significantly relaxing certification standards to secure medical supplies.

This demonstrated how much existing non-tariff barriers among countries affect medical supplies trade.

From January to May, Korea’s pharmaceutical exports increased by 54% compared to the previous year. Exports of medical goggles rose by 336%, and hand sanitizers increased by 4826%.

Participants in the meeting pledged to play a leading role in the WTO’s COVID-19 crisis response discussions by leveraging their experience contributing to WTO reform discussions.

They also agreed to work together to minimize the trade-restrictive effects of COVID-19 response measures, enhance transparency, and facilitate the smooth cross-border flow of essential goods.

According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the issue of improving non-tariff barriers on medical supplies, emphasized by Korea, will also be given significant attention and actively pursued at the group level.

An official from the ministry said, "The government will continue to urge international cooperation for this through multilateral and plurilateral channels."

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