[2025-01-22] KITA HOSTS ‘2025 KITA FORUM’ TO DISCUSS GLOBAL TRADE ORDER

Key insights on the future of Korean trade and global changes

(from left to right) Professor Emeritus Choi Byung-il of Ewha Womans University Graduate School of International Studies, Chairman Oh Seok-song of MetaBiomed, former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Chairman Yoon Jin-sik of KITA, Minister Ahn Duk-geun of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Former Assistant of USTR Michael Beeman, former Trade Minister Choi Seok-young, and President of KIET Kwon Nam-hoon pose for a commemorative photo at the ‘2025 KITA Forum.’ (Source: Korea International Trade Association)

The Korea International Trade Association (KITA) hosted the “2025 KITA Forum” on the 21st at the Grand InterContinental Parnas Hotel in Gangnam, Seoul.

Under the theme of “The Path Forward for Korean Trade in the Era of Hyper-Uncertainty,” the forum was attended by key figures from the global trade and commerce sectors, including KITA President Yun Jin-sik, Minister of Trade, Industry, and Energy Ahn Duk-geun, former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, EU Ambassador to Korea H.E. Maria Castillo Fernandez, and former assistant U.S. Trade Representative Michael Beeman.

In his opening remarks, Yoon Jin-sik, the chairman of KITA, emphasized, “This forum was organized to diagnose the structural challenges facing the Korean trade industry and explore sustainable growth strategies in the context of the evolving global trade order.” He emphasized, “With the Trump administration entering its second term, attention should be given to the potential impacts of future policy changes and the global trade environment.”

Ahn Duk-geun, the Minister of the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy, expressed in his congratulatory speech, “Despite the difficult environment, including geopolitical risks, protectionism from major countries, and supply chain restructuring, the government will collaborate with key nations to minimize risks.” He also mentioned plans to activate a comprehensive response system to address the new U.S. administration and support businesses.

The forum featured two main sessions: “2025 Global Trade Order Reshaping and Korea’s Strategy” and “Key Tasks for the Leap of Korean Trade in the Age of Transformation.” The sessions included keynote speeches, special lectures, panel discussions, and presentations, providing attendees with valuable insights into major global trade trends.

Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon delivered the keynote address, stating, “In the current polarized world, Korea must lead global cooperation through multilateral trade systems.” He stressed the importance of leveraging Korea’s technological expertise and cultural influence to lead the emerging trade order and strengthen its competitiveness as an export powerhouse amid complex challenges.

Former assistant U.S. Trade Representative Michael Beeman delivered a special lecture on the “Return of the Trump Era and Major Shifts in the Global Trade Order,” warning, “The political division in the U.S. has triggered a new trade policy that is having significant implications on the international trade order.” He added, “These changes could impact U.S.-Korea relations, and Korea must prepare strategically.”

Kwon Nam-hoon, President of the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade (KIET), delivered a presentation on “Global Economic Changes in 2025 and the Outlook for Korean Trade.” He forecast that Korean exports would exceed $700 billion this year, while also urging caution regarding external risks and structural issues, emphasizing the need for preparedness.

Following the forum, a networking reception was held, where global trade leaders discussed practical cooperation measures. KITA plans to develop this forum into Asia’s leading trade forum, expanding its influence in the coming years.

Source: The Korea Post

Link: https://www.koreapost.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=44035