South Korean Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo and heads of major energy firms are attending the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos amid U.S. President Donald Trump's return after six years. They aim to discuss global trade and energy transitions while pitching Korea as an investment destination. The event draws attention as a venue for reshaping the international economic order.
Korean delegation emphasizes global leadership at Davos
South Korean Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo and executives from major energy firms, including POSCO, HD Hyundai, GS Caltex, and Korea Zinc, are attending the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, from January 19 to Thursday. While top leaders from Samsung, SK, Hyundai Motor, and LG are absent, the Korean group will focus on energy transitions and supply chain crises.
Yeo plans to deliver a speech on global trade, urging investments in Korea from companies like Merck, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Maersk. He will also join a World Trade Organization (WTO) trade ministers' meeting on Thursday for bilateral talks with counterparts from the European Union, Argentina, and Switzerland. "As a middle-power country under global watch, the government will demonstrate leadership to restore the international economic and trade order amid multiple challenges," Yeo stated.
POSCO Group Chairman Chang In-hwa will meet steel and battery industry leaders. HD Hyundai Chairman Chung Ki-sun, on his fourth WEF visit, is set to discuss shipbuilding and energy futures, showcasing energy and digital technologies for efficient operations. GS Caltex CEO Hur Sae-hong, attending since 2018, will join discussions on energy and refinery industry transformations. Korea Zinc Executive Chairman Choi Yun-birm will speak at a session on "Minerals Strategic Partnerships and Investments," outlining strategies and seeking follow-up on a Tennessee smelter with U.S. officials. "With U.S. officials, including President Donald Trump, expected, there could be opportunities for meetings on our strategic partnership," the company said in a release.
Trump is attending in person for the first time in six years to give a special address, joined by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, sparking cautious optimism for progress in ending the Russia-Ukraine war. Mirae Asset Securities analyst Seo Sang-young noted, "This year’s Davos is crucial not just as a global leaders' gathering but to observe how the global economic order might reshape following the Trump administration’s second term."
Under the theme "A Spirit of Dialogue," the WEF highlights international cooperation amid rising trade protectionism and geopolitical tensions.
