Kim Jong-kwan Visits US to Finalize Investment Negotiations: "Talks Continue Until Final Signature"

Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jong-kwan arrived in the United States on the 10th (local time) to continue negotiations on investments in the US.

Minister Kim arrived at Newark Liberty International Airport near New York, USA, on the afternoon of the same day.

Having accompanied President Lee Jae-myung on his state visit to France, Minister Kim moved straight to the US after completing his schedule in Europe.

Meeting with reporters at the airport, Minister Kim explained the purpose of his visit, saying, "I have come to wrap up the ongoing negotiations on US investment," adding, "My schedule is to finalize the details in the course of these negotiations."

Regarding the atmosphere of the negotiations, he said, "How could negotiations ever be easy or difficult?" and added, "I believe that negotiations remain ongoing until the final signature is placed."

Minister Kim is scheduled to stay in the US until the 12th, meeting with government officials, including US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, to continue coordination regarding investments in the US.

On the same day, the US daily The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that the South Korean government has prepared a plan to invest more than $100 billion (approx. 134 trillion won) in energy sectors such as eight nuclear power plants and natural gas projects as the first project for US investment, bringing an agreement close at hand.

Citing multiple sources, the WSJ reported that South Korea and the US have entered the final stages of reaching an agreement on such a plan, which could be announced next week.

When asked about the details of the negotiations, including the WSJ report, Minister Kim replied, "I cannot confirm specific details yet," and added, "I will speak about them when the final results come out."

It is known that after returning to South Korea, Minister Kim plans to report matters related to the first US investment project to the National Assembly around the 17th, and proceed with the final signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) as early as the 18th.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.