1. On June 3, 2002, the 15th Korea-France Joint Commission of Economic Cooperation will be held in Seoul. 
This is a regular consultative body between Korea and France to discuss economic and trade issues. The 
Korean side will be led by Mr. Kim Kwang Dong, Deputy-Minister for Trade, and the French side will be led by 
Mr. Jean Francois Stoll, Director-General of the Ministry of Finance, Economy and Industry.

 
2. The Korean side will discuss the exclusion from Korea on France's list of national risk allowance countries 
and ways to increase industrial cooperation between the two countries. It will also explain its position on 
trade issues, such as those previously raised by France regarding cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. 
Furthermore, both sides will try to improve the understanding of each country's economic situation and 
policies, and will also seek ways to increase cooperation in the WTO and ASEM.

 
3. The volume of bilateral trade between Korea and France was valued at US$ 36.3 billion in 2001. France is 
Korea's 16th largest trade partner and the 6th biggest investor in Korea.

                                                                     Spokesperson of MOFAT

 
* unofficial translation