Export-Import Bank of Korea Hosts Diplomatic Envoys from 11 Countries to Discuss Cooperation on Critical Minerals Supply Chains

by Lee Eunjoo

Published 28 Apr.2026 13:48(KST)

The Export-Import Bank of Korea has established a multilateral forum to strengthen cooperation on critical minerals supply chains. The initiative aims to expand the bank’s role in responding to rapidly changing global supply chain environments through policy finance.

The Export-Import Bank of Korea held the "Global Critical Minerals Supply Chain Roundtable" at its headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, inviting officials from foreign embassies in Korea representing 11 countries, including the United States and Vietnam.

On April 28, the Export-Import Bank of Korea announced that it hosted the "Global Critical Minerals Supply Chain Roundtable" at its main office in Yeouido, Seoul, inviting representatives from the embassies of 11 countries in Korea, including the United States, Australia, Japan, and Vietnam. The event was organized to seek ways to secure a stable supply of critical minerals, which are essential materials for advanced industries such as secondary batteries and semiconductors, in response to the restructuring of global supply chains and the growing geopolitical risks emanating from the Middle East.

During the event, the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy shared the current status and industry trends related to critical minerals supply and demand. The Export-Import Bank of Korea introduced financial support systems utilizing the "Supply Chain Stabilization Fund" and the "Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF)." The Supply Chain Stabilization Fund, established under the Basic Act on Supply Chain Stabilization Support for Economic Security, serves as a government-wide response tool to the restructuring of global supply chains. The Economic Development Cooperation Fund is a concessional aid policy fund operated by the Export-Import Bank of Korea under commission, designed to support the economic development of developing countries.

In the subsequent discussion, diplomatic envoys from the 11 participating countries reviewed issues facing their respective critical minerals industries, and practical measures for effective cooperation through policy finance tools were discussed. President Hwang Kiyeon stated, "In an era where resource security equates to national competitiveness, critical minerals are more than just raw materials-they are strategic assets. We will further solidify partnerships with key strategic countries and enhance our role as a bridge to contribute to the stability of the global supply chain."