UK and South Korea launch FTA negotiations and sign a Science and Tech deal – What’s in it for tech?

The United Kingdom and South Korea bilateral relationship is poised for a significant leap forward as the two countries have today launched negotiations on a new trade deal. This comes as the UK and South Korea also sign a Science and Technology deal to boost cooperation in AI, quantum computing, semiconductors and space technology.

The launch of FTA negotiations is a step in the right direction for UK-South Korea tech and trade relationship. The existing trade deal between the UK and South Korea, established more than a decade ago, lacks provisions that cater to the contemporary digital economy. With an overwhelming majority of UK services exported to Korea digitally, securing modern digital provisions in the updated agreement becomes imperative. This move could unlock vast prospects for UK businesses, especially in the technology and services sectors.

It's estimated that the current £16 billion annual trade relationship between the UK and South Korea could experience a substantial boost with the new agreement in place. The announcement of a record £21 billion investment from Korean businesses into green energy and infrastructure projects across the UK further solidifies the depth of this bilateral relationship. South Korea, ranking as the 13th largest economy globally, is also a leader in hardware and electronics manufacturing.

In terms of the Science and Technology partnership deal, the UK and South Korea have committed to working closer together on AI, quantum, semiconductors, and space technologies. Specifically, a new framework has been developed for Semiconductor Cooperation to enhance collaboration on skills, R&D, supply chain resilience and trade. There will also be a £4.5 million fund created by the Royal Society and National Research Foundation of Korea for joint research and innovation partnerships.

techUK looks forward to working with our members, the UK government and sister organisations in Korea to help take our trading relationship to the next level.


Sabina Ciofu

Sabina Ciofu

Associate Director – International, techUK

Sabina Ciofu is Associate Director – International, running the International Policy and Trade Programme at techUK.

Based in Brussels, she leads our EU policy and engagement. She is also our lead on international trade policy, with a focus on digital trade chapter in FTAs, regulatory cooperation as well as broader engagement with the G7, G20, WTO and OECD.

As a transatlanticist at heart, Sabina is a GMF Marshall Memorial fellow and issue-lead on the EU-US Trade and Technology Council, within DigitalEurope.

Previously, she worked as Policy Advisor to a Member of the European Parliament for almost a decade, where she specialised in tech regulation, international trade and EU-US relations.

Sabina loves building communities and bringing people together. She is the founder of the Gentlewomen’s Club and co-organiser of the Young Professionals in Digital Policy. Previously, as a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers Community, she led several youth civic engagement and gender equality projects.

She sits on the Advisory Board of the University College London European Institute, Café Transatlantique, a network of women in transatlantic technology policy and The Nine, Brussels’ first members-only club designed for women.

Sabina holds an MA in War Studies from King’s College London and a BA in Classics from the University of Cambridge.

Email:
[email protected]
Phone:
+32 473 323 280
Website:
www.techuk.org

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Daniel Clarke

Daniel Clarke

Policy Manager for International Policy and Trade, techUK

Dan joined techUK as a Policy Manager for International Policy and Trade in March 2023.

Before techUK, Dan worked for data and consulting company GlobalData as an analyst of tech and geopolitics. He has also worked in public affairs, political polling, and has written freelance for the New Statesman and Investment Monitor.

Dan has a degree in MSc International Public Policy from University College London, and a BA Geography degree from the University of Sussex.

Outside of work, Dan is a big fan of football, cooking, going to see live music, and reading about international affairs. 

Email:
[email protected]

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Theophile Maiziere

Theophile Maiziere

Policy Manager - EU, techUK

Theo joined techUK in 2024 as EU Policy Manager. Based in Brussels, he works on our EU policy and engagement.

Theo is an experienced policy adviser who has helped connect EU and non-EU decision makers.

Prior to techUK, Theo worked at the EU delegation to Australia, the Israeli trade mission to the EU, and the City of London Corporation’s Brussels office. In his role, Theo ensures that techUK members are well-informed about EU policy, its origins, and its implications, while also facilitating valuable input to Brussels-based decision-makers.

Theo holds and LLM in International and European law, and an MA in European Studies, both from the University of Amsterdam. 

Email:
[email protected]
Website:
www.techuk.org
LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/in/théophile-maiziere-a32772111

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Lewis Walmesley-Browne

Lewis Walmesley-Browne

Head of Market Access and Consumer Tech, techUK

Lewis' programmes cover a range of policy areas within Market Access (international trade regulation, sanctions and export controls, technical standards and product compliance, supply chains) and Consumer Tech (media and broadcast policy, consumer electronics, and connected home technology).

Prior to joining techUK, Lewis worked in government affairs and policy roles for international trade associations in Southeast Asia including the American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce and the European Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia.

He holds an undergraduate degree in Social and Political Sciences from the University of Cambridge and an MSc in Public Policy & Management from SOAS University of London.

Email:
[email protected]
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lewis-walmesley-browne/

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Tess Newton

Team Assistant, Policy and Public Affairs, techUK

Tess joined techUK as an Policy and Public Affairs Team Assistant in November of 2024. In this role, she supports areas such as administration, member communications and media content.

Before joining the Team, she gained experience working as an Intern in both campaign support for MPs and Councilors during the Local and General Election and working for the Casimir Pulaski Foundation. As well as working for multiple charities on issues such as the climate crisis, educational inequality and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). Tess obtained her Bachelors of Arts in Politics and International Relations from University of Nottingham.

Email:
[email protected]
Website:
www.techUK.org

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