South Korea Says CPTPP Membership Brings Supply Chain Stability

South Korean Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo (left) said his country is planning to join the pact before the term of President Moon Jae-in administration ends in early May. Photo: IC Photo

(Nikkei Asia) — South Korea’s trade minister said his country’s membership in a Japan-led free trade pact would benefit all member nations, as Korean companies would strengthen supply chains for semiconductors, batteries and electric vehicles.

Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo said in a Nikkei Asia interview on Friday that the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) would not be self-sufficient without South Korea.