Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Lee Joo-ho said on the 7th regarding the suspension of exports of Czech nuclear power plants by Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, “We will closely communicate with the Czech side to resolve legal issues and reach a final contract as soon as possible.”
On that day, the Deputy Prime Minister held a meeting on economic security at the government complex in Seoul to check the status of discussions related to U.S. tariff measures and the government's comprehensive response system.
The meeting was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the acting Minister of Economy and Finance, the head of the trade negotiation office of the Ministry of Industry, the first vice minister of the Ministry of Industry, and the director of the National Government Organization.
The Deputy Prime Minister noted, “Regarding the export of Czech nuclear power plants, a request for a preliminary injunction by Electricité de France (EDF) was granted yesterday, leading to the postponement of the contract signing scheduled for today,” adding, “The Czech government maintains that the evaluation process of the bids conducted so far has been transparent and in accordance with the law, so there are no issues.”
He added, “The government will make every effort to minimize the anxiety of the people and the damage to our industry caused by the fluid trading environment.”
The Deputy Prime Minister also stated, “As U.S. tariff measures have intensified due to recent changes in trade policy, a serious situation continues to prevail,” and said, “The government has laid the framework for discussions to prepare the so-called ‘July Package’ through the Korea-U.S. 2+2 trade consultations.”
He also mentioned, “During the APEC Trade Ministers' Meeting scheduled for mid-month, a ministerial-level discussion on tariff measures between Korea and the U.S. is planned, and additional technical consultations are also expected to take place.”
The Deputy Prime Minister said, “While focusing on understanding U.S. priorities, we will prepare thoroughly so that the next government can continue smooth negotiations,” and added, “We will communicate transparently and responsibly with the National Assembly and the public while seriously conducting negotiations with the U.S. under the principle of prioritizing national interests.”