Koo Yun-cheol, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Ministry of Finance and Economy, visited Japan on the 13th and held an investment briefing on the Korean economy for about 100 global investors.
According to the Ministry of Finance and Economy that day, Deputy Prime Minister Koo attended a forum hosted in Tokyo by Bloomberg's Japan bureau and stressed the competitiveness and comparative advantages Korea has shown in sectors such as semiconductors, nuclear power, shipbuilding, and defense.
Koo said, "The Korean government will consistently push capital market revitalization policies that raise the potential growth rate through projects such as the artificial intelligence (AI) great transition and the super-innovation economy, and expand market access for foreign investors," adding, "Right now is the time to pay attention to the Korean economy."
The Ministry of Finance and Economy introduced recent trends in the Korean economy, noting that exports have set a new all-time monthly record for nine consecutive months. It then explained to investors that macroeconomic conditions are firm, with internal and external soundness—such as the government debt ratio and external debt—being managed at favorable levels.
It also underscored that inbound tourists to Korea last year neared 19 million and that Korea's cultural content is drawing global attention. It confirmed a policy to strengthen investment access by extending foreign exchange market hours to 24 hours and building offshore won settlement infrastructure.
Attendees showed strong interest in Korea's related markets and systems and policies, including foreign exchange and Government Bonds, and expressed high expectations for the Korean market, the Ministry of Finance and Economy said.
Before the investment briefing, Deputy Prime Minister Koo met with executives from major financial institutions including Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, MUFG Bank, Mizuho securities, Nomura securities, Daiwa securities, and Bloomberg.
Koo said he hopes the improvement in Korea-Japan relations will lead to cooperation in the two countries' economic and financial sectors, and promised that if there are difficulties in investing in Korea, the government will step in to provide active support.