Korea, China discuss bilateral 'hotline' for supply chain communication

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Korea, China discuss bilateral 'hotline' for supply chain communication

Published: 18 Dec. 2023, 19:13

SHIN HA-NEE
shin.hanee@joongang.co.kr

Ahn Duk-geun, left, industry minister nominee who then served as the trade minister, poses for a photo with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Shouwen, prior to their talks at the Chinese commerce ministry in Beijing on Dec. 4. [MINISTRY OF TRADE, INDUSTRY AND ENERGY]

Korea and China discussed details on operating a bilateral “hotline” to maintain close coordination in the supply chain issue, the Industry Ministry said Monday.

The working-level talks were held in Seoul after the two countries reached a consensus on the issue when their trade ministers met in Beijing earlier this month, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

During the meeting, the two nations discussed details of the hotline, as well as other pending issues surrounding the supply chain, the ministry added.

Korea, meanwhile, has been making efforts to stabilize the supply of key material imports, especially as China has recently suspended urea exports due to tight supplies for its domestic use.

The latest move raised concerns over another supply chain crisis as Korea suffered a major supply crunch of urea in 2021 following Beijing’s export restrictions.

Yonhap