Hey there! This Saturday (Dec 13, 2025) in Beijing, the Chinese mainland Commerce Minister Wang Wentao 🤝 the ROK Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, Kim Jung-kwan, met to fast-track Phase 2 negotiations of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the Chinese mainland and the ROK.
They agreed to accelerate talks, aiming for an early wrap-up of the FTA 🚀. This could unlock lower tariffs on tech gadgets and smoother supply chains for your favourite brands, from Seoul-made smartphones to mainland AI startups.
Wang highlighted a recent plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, which charted a five-year growth plan for the Chinese mainland. It promises wider doors for high-standard opening up and more space for partnerships in green tech, digital services, and beyond.
On the ROK side, Kim underscored the need to keep industrial and supply chains stable, boost city-to-city collaborations, and deepen engagement under big platforms like the WTO, APEC, and RCEP.
One cool takeaway: the ROK is backing the Chinese mainland’s 2026 APEC Leaders’ Meeting and is ready to share its hosting know-how. Imagine the opportunities for young pros planning to attend or pitch ideas at these global events!
Bottom line: If you’re into tech, trade, or startups, watch this space. A power-packed FTA between the Chinese mainland and the ROK could spark the next wave of innovation and jobs from Mumbai to Manila. Stay tuned 😉
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
