Key facts
- EU will lead in shaping a better global trade offer amid pressure on the rules-based order.
- Germany willing to act with like-minded partners to defend and develop the global economic order.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Friday that the European Union will lead in shaping a better global trade offer as the rules-based order comes under pressure. Merz, on an Asia tour, met South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and discussed deepening economic ties amid concerns over US tariffs and China's industrial expansion.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's remarks signal the EU's intent to proactively shape global trade policy amidst rising protectionism and geopolitical tensions, potentially impacting international trade flows and economic partnerships.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Friday that the European Union will take the lead in shaping a better global trade offer as the rules-based trading order comes under pressure. Speaking at the Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business in Seoul, Merz stated the EU wants to offer opportunities beyond bilateral agreements and that Germany is willing to act with like-minded partners to defend and develop the global economic order.
Merz, on an Asian tour that included Singapore and Japan, met with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Thursday to discuss deepening defense and economic ties amid concerns over US tariffs and China's industrial expansion. The two leaders agreed to an enhanced security partnership. South Korean and German companies signed nine memorandums of understanding to support startups and market entry in various sectors.
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