Ewa Björling received South Korean ministers
Today Minister for Trade Ewa Björling received South Korean Minister for Trade Kim Jong-hoon and Minister for the Knowledge Economy Lee Youn-ho for talks. In connection with the talks, two agreements were signed that will deepen cooperation between Sweden and South Korea on international standards and biogas.
Two cooperation agreements were signed at the meeting between the ministers. Photo: Jacob Martinsson/MFA
South Korea is Sweden's third most important trading partner and fourth largest export market in Asia. However, although relations are good, Dr Björling sees considerable potential for further development.
During her meeting with Minister for Trade Kim Jong-hoon, she emphasised that Sweden can serve as a gateway to Europe for South Korean companies.
"We hope that you see Sweden not as a market with nine million inhabitants but as part of the EU single market that is home to half a billion people," Dr Björling said.
All three ministers expressed great hopes about the potential impact of the free trade agreement between the EU and South Korea that is nearing finalisation. The agreement will mean the end of tariffs on virtually all industrial goods and will lead to savings of EUR 1.2 billion for European exporters.
"In addition to this, an agreement with South Korea will send a tremendously important signal about the significance of free trade at a time of growing protectionism, which is important not least in a period marked by economic downturn and declining world trade," Dr Björling said.
