Industry minister discusses energy, supply chain cooperation with Indo-Pacific economies | Yonhap News Agency

## Summary
OK SEOUL, March 15 (Yonhap) -- South Korean Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan attended the inaugural Indo-Pacific Energy Security Ministerial and Business Forum (IPEM) held in Tokyo this weekend and explored ways to bolster regional cooperation in energy and critical mineral supply chains amid heightened geopolitical uncertainties, Kim's office said Sunday. Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan speaks at the Indo-Pacific Energy Security Ministerial and Business Forum held in Tokyo on March 15, 2026, in this photo provided by Kim's office. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) During the event, Kim discussed ways to deepen Indo-Pacific nations' collaboration to bolster regional energy security, establish stable energy supply chains and facilitate related investment in the region, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources. Korea, Japan to hold regular policy dialogue on trade, supply chain issues (LEAD) Industry minister says fuel price cap system already showing price stabilization effect (LEAD) Gov't to implement fuel price cap system starting midnight to help ease cost burdens Keywords #energy ministerial #industry minister Articles with issue keywords Most Liked (News Focus) USFK's relocation of military assets to Middle East raises concerns about Seoul's capability to deter N.K. threats 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life BTS expands Gwanghwamun concert capacity to 22,000 with added standing zones BTS to launch 'Arirang' pop-ups to mark new album release Police vow zero tolerance for terror threats against BTS comeback concert Most Saved 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life Lee says to swiftly introduce fuel price cap as Mideast crisis intensifies S. Korean PM meets Trump Korean won weakens First lady attends memorial service for ex-PM Lee Hae-chan prev Industry minister discusses energy, supply chain cooperation with Indo-Pacific economies Next Industry minister discusses energy, supply chain cooperation with Indo-Pacific economies

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SEOUL, March 15 (Yonhap) -- South Korean Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan attended the inaugural Indo-Pacific Energy Security Ministerial and Business Forum (IPEM) held in Tokyo this weekend and explored ways to bolster regional cooperation in energy and critical mineral supply chains amid heightened geopolitical uncertainties, Kim's office said Sunday.
The two-day IPEM, the first of its kind, brought together senior energy security officials from 17 countries, including Korea, Australia, the Philippines and Indonesia, as well as business figures from energy, infrastructure, finance and other industries.
Co-hosted by the U.S. National Energy Dominance Council and Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the IPEM ran from Saturday in Tokyo to foster cooperation on energy and supply chain issues across the Indo-Pacific region.
Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan speaks at the Indo-Pacific Energy Security Ministerial and Business Forum held in Tokyo on March 15, 2026, in this photo provided by Kim's office. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
During the event, Kim discussed ways to deepen Indo-Pacific nations' collaboration to bolster regional energy security, establish stable energy supply chains and facilitate related investment in the region, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources.
Kim, in particular, highlighted the challenges posed by supply chain disruptions stemming from the ongoing Middle East conflict and recent shifts in global supply chains amid the growth of advanced industries, sharing the Korean government's response to the crisis with other participants, the ministry said.
Based on the discussions, the IPEM adopted a joint statement calling for efforts to secure reliable energy for Indo-Pacific growth and security, while establishing energy supply chains, infrastructure and maritime routes for the region.
As part of the event, the Seoul government signed a bilateral memorandum of understanding for critical minerals cooperation with the U.S. government, under which the two sides agreed to develop joint projects and investments in the area, the ministry said.
Korea's Hanwha Aerospace Co. also signed an agreement to annually purchase 1.5 million tons of liquefied natural gas from U.S. energy firm Venture Global over 20 years, it added.
On the sidelines, Kim also held bilateral meetings with U.S. Energy Dominance Council Chairman Doug Burgum, Minister for Resources and Minister for Northern Australia Madeleine King, New Zealand's Minister of Energy and Resources Simon Watts and Vietnam's Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hoang Long to discuss energy cooperation and response to the Mideast conflict.
Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan (2nd from L) attends the Indo-Pacific Energy Security Ministerial and Business Forum held in Tokyo on March 15, 2026, in this photo provided by Kim's office. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
nyway@yna.co.kr
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Industry minister discusses energy, supply chain cooperation with Indo-Pacific economies

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## Expert Analysis

### Merits
N/A

### Areas for Consideration
- Korea, Japan to hold regular policy dialogue on trade, supply chain issues (LEAD) Industry minister says fuel price cap system already showing price stabilization effect (LEAD) Gov't to implement fuel price cap system starting midnight to help ease cost burdens Keywords #energy ministerial #industry minister Articles with issue keywords Most Liked (News Focus) USFK's relocation of military assets to Middle East raises concerns about Seoul's capability to deter N.K. threats 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life BTS expands Gwanghwamun concert capacity to 22,000 with added standing zones BTS to launch 'Arirang' pop-ups to mark new album release Police vow zero tolerance for terror threats against BTS comeback concert Most Saved 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life Lee says to swiftly introduce fuel price cap as Mideast crisis intensifies S.

### Implications
- Korea, Japan to hold regular policy dialogue on trade, supply chain issues (LEAD) Industry minister says fuel price cap system already showing price stabilization effect (LEAD) Gov't to implement fuel price cap system starting midnight to help ease cost burdens Keywords #energy ministerial #industry minister Articles with issue keywords Most Liked (News Focus) USFK's relocation of military assets to Middle East raises concerns about Seoul's capability to deter N.K. threats 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life BTS expands Gwanghwamun concert capacity to 22,000 with added standing zones BTS to launch 'Arirang' pop-ups to mark new album release Police vow zero tolerance for terror threats against BTS comeback concert Most Saved 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life Lee says to swiftly introduce fuel price cap as Mideast crisis intensifies S.
- Korea, U.S. conduct joint drills Lee urges caution over reform measures to minimize side effects Most Viewed All Categories (LEAD) N.
- Korea says conducted firepower strike drill with 600 mm ultra-precision multiple rocket launchers (LEAD) 10 injured in building fire in central Seoul (2nd LD) Trump calls on S, Korea, China, Japan, others to send ships to keep Hormuz Strait open (2nd LD) N.
- Korea, U.S. conduct joint drills (LEAD) N.

### Expert Commentary
This article covers energy, korea, minister topics. Areas of concern are also raised. Readability: Flesch-Kincaid grade 0.0. Word count: 744.