Sir John Whittingdale has returned from his second visit to South Korea as the Prime Ministers Trade Envoy to Korea, to support the UK-South Korea trade and investment relationship. He visited three cities to learn more about their world leading innovation in the industries of green energy, technology and defence.
Energy Security and Net Zero
John visited Shin-Kori Nuclear Power Complex, and saw eight of Korea’s 26 operational reactors, including their leading export model, the APR 1400 (Advanced Power Reactor). He spoke with the Vice President Kyeong of KEPCO, about Korea’s firm interest in supporting the next generation of nuclear build in the UK.
He also had meetings with the Mayor of Busan and the Governor of Gyeonggi Province, and was pleased to witness signing of an MoU between the UK Embassy and Busan City Govt, to support UK business engagement on renewable energy and smart cities.
Science, Technology and Innovation
John attended the British Embassy’s inaugural Cyber Week. A delegation of world-leading British companies, supported by DSE’s Cyber Ambassador Juliette Wilcox, engaged alongside policymakers to present a comprehensive civilian and defence proposition.
John was also given a tour of Samsung Electronics Innovation Centre by Executive Vice President Kim, and he welcomed Samsung’s announcement of a 6G R&D Centre in the UK. He witnessed an MoU between Cambridge and Yonsei Universities to establish a bridge to link life science and digital healthcare, and chaired a round table with small/medium businesses that are keen to enter the UK.
Business and Trade
John attended a dinner with the British Chamber of Commerce in Korea and met with CEOs of major UK companies to discuss the opportunities and challenges within Korea. Some feel Korea’s regulatory environment has room for reform and that foreign companies are often held back by additional non-tariff barriers. There is the opportunity to address this in upcoming negotiations on a revamp of the Free Trade Agreement.
He also met with SPC Group, who recently opened the first two branches of Paris Baguette in London, in Kensington and Battersea Power Station. They propose to open 200 stores across the UK over the coming decade.
John said:
“It was a fantastic opportunity to visit South Korea again. I am hopeful that continuing to further our trade and investment relationship will support the UK’s energy security and net zero goals, and our science and technology sectors”.
UK Government Department of Trade said:
“The second visit by the PM’s Trade Envoy to Korea demonstrates our intent to deepen trade and investment with the world’s 10th largest economy. Korea’s strengths in civil nuclear and as a tech and innovation superpower can support our energy and economic security, net zero transition and science superpower goals. With coordinated efforts we can realise the full potential of this like-minded economic powerhouse”.
