Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) will lead a Korean government delegation to the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC-14), to be held in Yaoundé, Cameroon, on March 26–29, 2026. The delegation will focus on restoring the multilateral trading system and stabilizing the trade environment for Korean industries and businesses.

The delegation includes around 30 officials from MOTIR, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA, Minister Cho Hyun), the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA, Minister Song Mi-ryung), the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF, Minister Hwang Jong-woo), and Korea’s Permanent Mission in Geneva.


Korea Takes a Facilitator Role in WTO Reform Talks

MC-14 comes at a time when the WTO faces serious challenges, with members expected to engage in intensive talks on restoring its functions and advancing institutional reform. The outcome of those discussions is likely to shape the WTO’s future role and the broader rules-based trading system.

Korea will take part not only as a member but also as a key facilitator in the reform debate. Trade Minister Yeo will serve as one of the Minister Facilitators for the WTO reform session and chair four sessions, helping narrow differences among members and build consensus on tangible reform outcomes. It will be the first time Korea’s chief delegate has served a lead facilitating role in an official session of a WTO Ministerial Conference.


Korea Pushes for Outcomes on the E-Commerce Moratorium and IFDA

At MC-14, Korea will serve as a bridge on key issues, including the incorporation of the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement (IFDA) into the WTO legal framework, extension of the moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions, and implementation of the e-commerce agreement. On March 25, 2026, Korea will host a ministerial side event on the IFDA—bringing together ministers from key economies and officials from major international organizations—to highlight how the agreement can improve the global investment climate and promote development.

Korea will also step up consultations with key economies on extending the moratorium and expediting implementation of the e-commerce agreement. These steps would lower digital trade costs and widen access to global markets for Korean companies. They would also help Korean films, television dramas, music, games, and other digital content stay competitive overseas without additional tariff burdens, while facilitating overseas expansion for small and mid-sized digital firms and supporting growth in exports of digital services and content.

Korea will also support early entry into force and full implementation of the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement, progress in follow-up negotiations, and discussions aimed at building a more inclusive trading system, including the extension of preferences after least developed countries (LDCs) graduate from LDC status.


Korea Seeks to Turn a Broader Role into Tangible Results

“Restoring the multilateral trading system is essential at a time when global supply chains are being reshaped and the rules-based trade order is under strain,” Trade Minister Yeo said. “As a middle power that advanced through trade liberalization and the multilateral system, Korea will work at MC-14 to move reform talks forward, deliver tangible outcomes, and help create a more stable trade environment for Korean businesses.”

“Korea is serving for the first time as a facilitator for a core WTO reform session at a WTO Ministerial Conference,” he added. “We will do our part as a responsible middle power to help rebuild trust among members and restore the WTO’s normal functioning.”


Bilateral Meetings to Address Trade Issues and Business Bottlenecks

During MC-14, the Korean government will hold bilateral meetings with ministers from key economies and the WTO Director-General to broaden cooperation and strengthen coordination on major issues including supply chains, digital trade, and trade-related regulation. It will also raise trade bottlenecks and non-tariff barriers affecting Korean companies, while discussing ways to expand cooperation in investment, digital trade, and technical regulations to improve conditions for Korean businesses operating overseas.