South Korea’s trade chief said Sunday that Seoul and Mexico have agreed to initiate a joint study on a proposed bilateral economic partnership agreement following President Lee Jae-myung’s state visit to the Latin American nation.
Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jung-kwan shared key outcomes of the presidential trip in a message posted on social media platform X upon his return to Seoul early Sunday morning.
“Through this visit, we have further expanded the horizon of South Korea-Mexico economic cooperation,” Kim wrote, noting that he accompanied President Lee throughout the official visit during the Chuseok holiday.
According to Kim, the two countries focused on establishing institutional foundations to expand trade and investment while creating a stable business environment.
“President Lee emphasized the urgent need for a trade agreement during the summit,” Kim said. “I also met with Mexican Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard to actively advocate for the Strategic Economic Cooperation Agreement (SECA), and we agreed to launch a joint benefit study to assess its potential economic impacts.”
The two nations also reinforced institutional ties in industrial and energy sectors. In the presence of both leaders, officials signed the “Economic, Industrial, and Resources Cooperation Initiative,” expanding the scope of collaboration to critical minerals, resources, trade promotion, and business environment improvements for local firms.
The state visit yielded immediate private-sector outcomes as well. At a business forum attended by around 300 government officials and business leaders, participants discussed cooperation in advanced industries, supply chains, future technologies, energy, and creative industries. Private companies signed four memorandums of understanding (MOUs) covering aerospace, automotive components, and trade investment.
Highlighting Mexico’s strategic location adjacent to the North American market and South Korea’s industrial competitiveness, Kim pledged to translate the diplomatic commitments into concrete economic gains for businesses and citizens in both countries.
