The international seminar was co-organized with the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation (CAITEC) under China’s Ministry of Commerce, and aimed to foster research collaboration and exchange between these two leading policy research institutes in both nations.

Featuring three sessions, the forum opened with welcoming remarks from Vice President Sungbae An of KIEP and Vice President Qu Weixi (曲维玺) of CAITEC, followed by congratulatory speeches by Economic and Commercial Counselor Ran Deyan (冉德艳) of the Chinese Embassy in Korea and Director Geunyoung Jung from the Trade Cooperation Division, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy of Korea.

In his opening address, Vice President Sungbae An of KIEP noted that while Korea-China economic cooperation has flourished over the past 30 years, challenges such as supply chain restructuring, reduced investments, and geopolitical tensions call for new approaches. He underscored the importance of enhancing collaboration in digital and green sectors, stabilizing supply chains, and exploring sustainable development initiatives for the future.

Dr. Jihyun Jung, Head of the China Team at KIEP, and Vice President Qu Weixi of CAITEC delivered presentations in the first session, titled “Directions for Building New Momentum in Korea-China Economic Cooperation in the Global Transition Era.” Dr. Jung explored strategies for creating new momentum in Korea-China economic cooperation, while Vice President Qu proposed approaches to advance bilateral trade relations in light of China’s modernization efforts.

During Session 2, Dr. Cai Guiyuan of the Asia Research Institute provided an overview of the current status, challenges, and prospects for supply chain cooperation between Korea and China amid reorganization of global supply chains. Dr. Hyoungmin Han, Head of the Economic Security Team at KIEP, shared his insights into evolving trade patterns and their implications for bilateral supply chain cooperation.

In the third session, Dr. Ji Young Moon, Associate Research Fellow at KIEP, discussed the potential for Korea-China collaboration in green finance and strategies for fostering mutual development in the green transition. Following the presentation, Dr. Yaun Bo (袁波) of the Asia Research Institute at CAITEC proposed leveraging the digital economy as a new driver for bilateral cooperation.

The seminar brought together a diverse range of experts, including Dr. Cheol Jo of the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade, Professor Pilsoo Choi of Sejong University, and Professor Bong-Kyo Seo of Dongduk Women’s University, along with distinguished Chinese researchers such as Dr. Hu Wenlong (胡文龙) of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and Dr. Zheng Jun (郑军), Chief Expert at the Center for International Cooperation and Exchange, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China. The researchers from KIEP and CAITEC engaged in discussions on potential directions for economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.

- Title: The 4th Korea-China Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum

- Topic: Building New Momentum for Korea-China Economic and Trade Cooperation in the Global Transition Era

- Date & Time: Friday, December 13, 2024, 10:00-17:00

- Venue: Lotte Hotel, Seoul

- Hosts: Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP), Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation (CAITEC)

- Contact: Hyo Jin Lee, Senior Researcher, China Team (hyojinlee@kiep.go.kr)