#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/international/40011901

The suppression efforts have largely failed to dampen resistance to the junta, even under severe pandemic stress.

JAKARTA – Myanmar’s government-in-exile has criticized Asean’s “lack of leadership” in response to last year’s military coup in the country, which uprooted democracy and created an ongoing humanitarian crisis. The Feb. 1, 2021, coup threw Myanmar into disarray, triggering mass protests and a violent crackdown on dissent, which saw more than 1,500 civilians killed and thousands more arrested by junta forces.

The suppression efforts have largely failed to dampen resistance to the junta, even under severe pandemic stress. An official from the exiled Myanmar National Unity Government (NUG) said on Tuesday that Asean had failed to lay out concrete plans to implement its own intervention mandate, particularly on delivering humanitarian relief.

NUG spokesperson Sasa insisted that Asean could not just set out its demands – known as the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) – and then sit back and wait for results.

“There is no strategy to implement them. There is no inclusiveness in engagement,” he said in a virtual discussion cohosted by the Thai Public Broadcasting Service on the one-year anniversary of the coup.

The NUG was formed by the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH), a group of elected lawmakers and members of parliament who were ousted in the coup d’etat in Naypyidaw.

During the putsch, security forces arrested political leaders and officials of the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) party, including State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi, who had struck a precarious alliance with Myanmar’s military, the Tatmadaw, for the better part of a decade.

Those who escaped regrouped to form the NUG. The international community rallied behind the people of Myanmar, who were persecuted for their resistance to the regime and suffered from severe and little-managed COVID-19 outbreaks.

But major world powers and the United Nations as a whole agreed to rely on Asean to lead the coup response.

Sasa said the international community had put a lot of hope in Asean but that “a lack of strategy, a timetable and leadership” had thwarted efforts to resolve the crisis.

“In Myanmar, the people are losing hope in ASEAN because the [5PC] has been there for many months without results on the ground,” he said. “Asean’s five points must produce results in Myanmar – not in Cambodia and not in Jakarta.”

The consensus points include an immediate cessation of violence, mediation involving all parties to the conflict facilitated by a special envoy and the delivery of humanitarian assistance.

The consensus itself is the product of a meeting in Jakarta in April 2020 between the nine Asean leaders and Myanmar coup leader Min Aung Hlaing.

Current Asean chair Cambodia sought in January to suggest it had made progress on the crisis, a claim analysts say was misleading.
Cambodian leader Hun Sen and junta boss Min Aung Hlaing made a joint statement affirming that progress had been made on ceasefire talks with local armed ethnic groups – a point not included in the 5PC.

Saw Nimrod of the Karen National Union (KNU), who was also present at the discussion on Tuesday, said ceasefire talks in Myanmar were an existing process that had been playing out over the last decade.

He said the KNU had signed a ceasefire deal with the government in 2012, hoping that the country would reform and move toward democracy. He acknowledged that the process was flawed and that not all groups had joined in.

“The coup makes it difficult for the KNU and other ethnic organisations, who have been building trust over the past 10 years, to continue [wondering] what is going to happen next and what the future holds for the country’s political processes,” he said.

Indonesia, the de facto leader of Asean, reiterated on Tuesday that it was disappointed that no “significant progress” had been made in the implementation of the 5PC.

“[Tuesday] marks one year after the Myanmar military’s seizure of power. Indonesia strongly deplores this action,” the Foreign Ministry wrote in a statement.

“As a family, Asean has extended a helping hand through the 5PC. Unfortunately, to date, there has not been significant progress on the implementation of the 5PC.”

The ministry statement also urged the Tatmadaw to implement the consensus “without further delay” and “immediately provide” access to the bloc’s special envoy on Myanmar so that he could carry out his duties in accordance with the Asean mandate.

By Dian Septiari

Published : February 04, 2022

By : The Jakarta Post

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/international/40011882

Malaysia’s authorities said this was to demonstrate the presence of security forces in the areas of Sabah’s East Coast.

KUALA LUMPUR – PASIR MAS: The security level in Sabah’s East Coast will be increased, including the mobilisation of a commando team from the Special Action Unit (UTK), to tackle issues involving the Abu Sayyaf militant group.

Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order director Comm Datuk Hazani Ghazali (pic) said this was to demonstrate the presence of security forces in the areas, concerned including the Sabah-Kalimantan border.

“Although two years have passed without any kidnapping cases, particularly in Sabah’s East Coast, security controls are still being implemented.

“This also follows information received on Abu Sayyaf sub-leader and bomb maker, Mudzrimar alias Mundi Sawadjaan, confirmed to be still alive, so security control will be tightened and our security forces will always be receiving information from the Western Mindanao Command (J2 WESTMINCOM) on the matter,” he said.

Comm Hazani said this to reporters after the “Tangan Bersalaman” programme at the Pasir Mas district police headquarters here Wednesday (Feb 2).

He added that the status of Mudzrimar, being wanted by the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom), was confirmed through the sharing of information by the Joint Task Force Sulu (JTFS) and J2 WESTMINCOM for his involvement in a series of encounters and clashes with the Philippines security forces since July 2021.

Based on the intelligence information received, Mudzrimar was last seen on Jan 10 in an area in Sulu while going out to get food.

On border control at the Malaysia-Thailand border, Hazani said a mounted horse team from the Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) would be stationed in Kelantan from March to patrol areas notorious for smuggling activities.

“We are looking for a suitable place like Pengkalan Kubor, Tumpat or Rantau Panjang to station the mounted horse team, which can help tighten security controls and tackle smuggling activities along Sungai Golok,” he added.

Bernama

Published : February 03, 2022

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/international/40011857

Samsung Electronics said Wednesday its My House world map service, launched in collaboration with Naver‘s 3D avatar platform Zepeto, saw cumulative visits quickly surging to over 4 million in less than a month.

My House invites users to experience Samsung home appliances and furniture in a personalized virtual “home“ that users can decorate to their individual taste. The metaverse platform was unveiled on Jan. 5 at the annual tech show CES 2022.

Since then, the cumulative number of visitors reached 4 million in three weeks, the highest amongst Zepeto’s partnered services, according to Samsung Electronics. 

The consumer electronics giant plans to capitalize on the immersive digital world to not only introduce new products, but also to provide a taste of interdevice connection between different Samsung appliances. The company also aims to scale up its rapport with other industries like fashion to target younger consumers.

“With the success of My House as our foothold, we are looking to engage more aggressively with millennials and Generation Z by optimizing customers’ Metaverse experience,” said Young-hee Lee, head of Samsung’s Global Marketing Center.

By Ahn Ju-hee

Published : February 03, 2022

By : The Korea Herald

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/international/40011856

Two people died and nearly 40 others were wounded when two bombs exploded during a rally in support of the State Administration Council (SAC) on Old Hospital Road in Makao Kham Ward, Tachilek, eastern Shan State, at about 12 noon on February 1, according to local sources.

The incident happened when two unidentified men arrived on a motorbike and threw two bombs into the crowd, killing two men instantly and wounding 40 others. Four of the injured are reportedly in critical condition.

“When the rally participants arrived on Old Hospital Road, bombs exploded. Two died at the scene. Nearly 40 people were injured. About four are in serious condition. Among the injured were two workers from a nearby car parts shop. Mostly, those holding flags got injured. Anyway, I want to live in peace,” said a nearby resident.

Moreover, two unexploded bombs were discovered on Shan Yoma ground where the rally was held.

Local charity organizations were helping and sending the injured people to hospitals.

The pro-SAC rally was held on Shan Yoma ground in Tachilek. The participants marched from the ground to No (1) Friendship Bridge and back to the ground, chanting pro-SAC slogans. The rally with 199 people was held after reportedly seeking permission from authorities.  It was attended by Arkhar, Lahu and Bamar people.

Local sources say four bombs have exploded in the town of Tachilek this year.

By Pyae Sone (Muse)

Published : February 03, 2022

By : Eleven Media

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/international/40011855

The House of Representatives has passed a resolution expressing concerns regarding the human rights situation in Chinese areas such as Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, without naming China or using expressions such as “human rights violation.”

The resolution was passed Tuesday at a lower house plenary session with support from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner Komeito, as well as opposition parties including the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, Nippon Ishin no Kai, the Democratic Party for the People and the Japanese Communist Party.

The Diet wants to show that it places importance on human rights, eyeing the opening of the Beijing Winter Olympics on Friday.

The resolution also referred to Tibet, Hong Kong and “southern Mongolia” (Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region), saying that “concerns have been expressed over serious human rights situations, such as violations of religious freedom and forcible imprisonment.”

The resolution stated that “ensuring accountability in a way that is acceptable for the international community was strongly urged.”

■ Softened tone

The resolution was submitted to the lower house by a bipartisan group of lawmakers, including Keiji Furuya of the LDP and Jin Matsubara of the CDPJ. The LDP avoided naming China or using strong words in the resolution to obtain wide support from various parties.

After the resolution was adopted, Furuya, the executive acting chairperson of the LDP’s Policy Research Council, said: “We thought it was important to pass a resolution before the Beijing Winter Games. Although the wording was somewhat restrained, we have achieved certain results and sent a solid message to the international community.”

Preparations had been ongoing since the ordinary Diet session last year, but coordination within the ruling coalition hit some hurdles.

The LDP concluded it was more important to win wider support, including from Komeito, which places importance on relations with China. In the end, the LDP opted not to name China or include words like “human rights violation” and “condemnation.”

“If you read the resolution, it’s clear that China is the nation in question,” said LDP Policy Research Council Chairperson Sanae Takaichi, regarding references to the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and other areas.

Komeito leader Natsuo Yamaguchi said Tuesday, “We’d like to ask the Chinese side to make efforts to provide explanations and gain the understanding of the international community.”

CDPJ leader Kenta Izumi told reporters that he valued the content of the resolution, but also said, “[Passing the resolution] just before the opening of the Beijing Olympics was too late.”

Other opposition parties were also critical. Takashi Endo, Nippon Ishin’s Diet affairs committee chairperson, said: “The wording was softened more and more. It just became something that was better to have than not to have.”

The JCP leader Kazuo Shii said, “We voted for it because we had no reason to oppose it, but as a resolution, it’s insufficient.”

Reiwa Shinsengumi voted against the resolution, criticizing it for not naming the country that should be held responsible.

After the adoption of the resolution, DPFP leader Yuichiro Tamaki said, “Domestic laws should be established to impose sanctions for human rights abuses.”

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters on Tuesday night, “We will take the resolution seriously and continue to pursue policies and diplomacy that respect universal values and human rights.”

Published : February 03, 2022

By : The Japan News

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/international/40011854

BEIJING – China is celebrating the Chinese New Year and under a global gaze for hosting the Winter Olympics. Adding to its festive mood is Russian President Vladimir Putin’s scheduled visit and attendance at the opening ceremony of the grand sports event.

Nearly three years after Putin’s last visit to China, the trip will witness the 38th meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Russian president since 2013.

Xi has said he very much looks forward to this “get-together for the Winter Olympics” and stands ready to work with Putin “for a shared future” to jointly open a new chapter in post-COVID China-Russia relations.

From Sochi To Beijing

Back in 2014, Xi attended the opening ceremony of the 22nd Winter Olympic Games held in Russian resort city Sochi, which marked the first attendance by a Chinese head of state at the opening ceremony of a major sports event held overseas.

During his talks with Putin, the Chinese president said he went to Russia to offer his congratulations in person as is customary for the Chinese people to do so on their neighbors’ joyous occasions.

Eight years later, although the pandemic has disrupted exchanges among countries, the “get-together for the Winter Olympics” between the two leaders is going to take place in Beijing. It will not only be the first in-person meeting between the two countries’ heads of state in about two years, but also a major event in international relations at the start of this year.

Before the visit, Putin has on multiple occasions voiced his confidence in China’s successful hosting of the sports gala.

“There is every reason to believe that the Games in Beijing will be held at a very high level and will be part of the golden records of the world Olympic family,” Putin said during a virtual meeting with Russian athletes.

From Sochi to Beijing, the two presidents’ exchange of visits to the Winter Olympic Games will vividly demonstrate China and Russia’s mutual support for each other’s holding of major events or celebrations, as is also exemplified by Xi’s presence at the Victory Day parade at Moscow’s Red Square and Putin’s attendance at the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.

These frequent exchanges are also a testament to the sincere friendship between the two leaders as well as that between the two countries.

In 2017, Putin awarded Xi the highest honor of Russia, the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle the First-Called. A year later, Xi awarded Putin the first-ever Friendship Medal of the People’s Republic of China.

This ever-growing friendship is not flourishing accidentally, but has been nurtured by the two leaders’ common perspective on the importance of bilateral ties and on international issues.

“We share similar views on the international landscape and approaches to national governance,” Xi said in the interview with Russian media. “Most importantly, we share a high degree of consensus on the strategic significance of the China-Russia relationship and therefore the same resolve and desire to deepen and sustain its growth.”

Hands-on Leadership

The China-Russia relationship has grown into a big ship featuring the highest degree of mutual trust, the highest level of coordination and the highest strategic value. At the helm of the ship are the two heads of state.

From a series of joint statements announced during 2013 to 2017 to deepen China-Russia ties, to the upgrade of China-Russia relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era in 2019, each step forward in China-Russia relations can hardly be achieved without the two presidents’ leadership.

And there are numerous touching moments in their interactions. In 2018, before an ice hockey friendly match between Chinese and Russian youth teams held in Tianjin, Xi and Putin posed for group photos with the teams and jointly dropped the puck to kick off the match. In 2019, the two leaders attended the inauguration ceremony of the panda house in Moscow Zoo, and cordially interacted with excited children.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Xi and Putin have maintained close exchanges through phone talks, video conferences and other online activities, ensuring China-Russia relations advance with a sustained momentum toward higher levels.

The year of 2021 marked the 20th anniversary of the signing of the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation. During their talks via video link in June, Xi and Putin jointly announced the extension of the treaty, leading bilateral relations to robust development in the spirit of everlasting friendship and win-win cooperation.

Spearheaded by the two presidents, China-Russia cooperation, with an increasing quality and an expanding volume, has yielded outstanding fruits across traditional sectors and emerging industries. According to official figures, the trade between China and Russia reached a record high of more than $146 billion in 2021, up nearly 36 percent year-on-year.

For A Shared Future

“We support the traditional Olympic values, primarily, equal rights and justice,” Putin said during the virtual meeting with Russian athletes.

The main goal of international sporting events is to strengthen friendships, Putin said, adding that Russia and China “oppose the politicization of sports.”

For a world that is undergoing turbulent changes and multiple crises, such solidarity shown between the world’s two major countries is especially valuable.

As Xi pointed out in a speech at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations in 2013, a high-level and strong China-Russia relationship is not only in the interests of both countries, but also serves as an important guarantee of international strategic balance and world peace and stability.

Also in the speech, Xi called for building a new type of international relations with win-win cooperation at the core and, for the first time on an international occasion, laid out his signature global vision: building a community with a shared future for mankind.

Facing the vicissitude of the international situation, China and Russia have always kept in mind their responsibilities as major countries, and staunchly opposed unilateralism, hegemonism and power politics.

China and Russia have been firmly safeguarding the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order based on international law, jointly promoting the constructive role of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS countries, and seeking greater synergy between the Belt and Road and the Eurasian Economic Union.

They have been cooperating in the fight against the pandemic and at the forefront in the development, production and supply of vaccines, leading the international community to unite in combating the virus.

Taking a clear-cut stand against certain countries’ attempts to incite ideological conflict and confrontations over social systems, China and Russia have been advocating harmonious coexistence among different ethnic groups, systems and civilizations.

As the opening of the Beijing Winter Olympic Games is around the corner, anticipation of the “get-together” between Xi and Putin is running high. The meeting promises to be a boost to this brilliant model of relationship between  major countries, and is expected to inject a much-needed dose of stability and certainty into the world.

Published : February 03, 2022

By : China Daily

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/international/40011853

BEIJING – The torch relay for the 2022 Olympic Winter Games started here on Wednesday, just two days before the Games officially opens.

Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, lit a torch from a cauldron at the launch ceremony held at the Olympic Forest Park, then handed it to 80-year-old Luo Zhihuan, China’s first winter sports world champion.

The torch relay has been scaled down and is being held under strict precautionary measures due to concerns of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Some 1200 participants will take part in the relay, which will last three days through three competition zones and culminate with the lighting of the cauldron at the opening ceremony on Friday night.

The first day takes the theme “Showcasing Beijing as a dual Olympic city” as the flame makes its way to the Beijing Winter Olympic Park.

The Winter Olympics will take place from Feb 4 to 20.

Published : February 03, 2022

By : China Daily

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/international/40011836

The Ministry of Agriculture is set to conduct a study on the phytosanitary requirements to export durian to China in the near future.

After bananas and then mangoes, longan is set to be the third fresh Cambodian fruit to be officially exported directly to the Chinese market, and a list of other agricultural products – including durians – are expected to follow in the years to come.

But to the dismay of agriculture sector players, Chinese authorities only consider a single product per country at a time to import, in a process that requires phytosanitary and other inspections.

Although durian is a strong contender for the fourth spot on the list, it is not yet clear if the government will push the pungent, spiky fruit through the process after longan.

Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Veng Sakhon on January 29 conducted a field visit to a durian farm in Krasaing village, Teuk Chrov commune, Dambe district, Tbong Khmum province.

Speaking at the orchard, Sakhon instructed the General Directorate of Agriculture to get in touch with Chinese customs to research the technical and legal document, procedural and phytosanitary requirements related to the direct shipment of Cambodian durians to China.

“We should work with mango exporters and yellow banana distributors to gain more insight into the possibility of exporting Cambodian durian to the Chinese market in the near future.

“Additionally, the General Directorate of Agriculture needs to update data on durian cultivation areas and yields throughout the country, and keep tabs – for research purposes – on techniques for cultivation, disease- and pest control, and processing that complies with Cambodia Good Agricultural Practices [CamGAP], especially standards concerning export markets,” he said.

The minister spotlighted durian as a crop with high economic potential that requires sophisticated care to maximise production – from planting to pruning and disease- and pest-control – contingent on the number of fruits per tree and age, as well as soil management practices such as fertilising and watering.

Fresh durian was China’s highest-imported fruit in 2020, accounting for 22.4 per cent of the country’s total fruit imports, Mallika Boonmeetrakool Mahasook, an adviser to the Thai commerce minister said, according to The Nation.

China imported 0.575 million tonnes worth $2.3 billion that year, representing a 44 per cent rise over 2019, he said.

Sok Leng, the owner of the Sok Leng-Phanny orchard which was visited by the minister, told The Post on January 30 that the 13ha of his durian lands that are harvested yielded 100 tonnes of fruit last year, and would likely produce more in 2022.

He said his fruits sell very well in the area as well as in the capital, at a rate of 20,000 riel ($5) per kg. Leng advocated for an increased presence of Cambodian durian on the international stage, especially the Chinese market.

“After the agriculture minister inspected the durian orchard, the Tbong Khmum provincial Department of Agriculture discussed setting up a production cluster or durian cooperative in Tbong Khmum, to obtain precise information apropos conceivable cultivated and harvested areas and production volume, to supply both domestic and foreign markets,” Leng said.

However, he stressed that durian cultivation demands a lot of capital and that maintenance is quite challenging, requiring patience and technique to achieve optimal results.

Chan Sitha, a durian grower in Kampot province, said he and other farmers in the coastal locality are happy to work with the relevant ministries to study the feasibility and techniques of growing durian in line with Chinese standards.

“Durian had traditionally been cultivated through the techniques of the respective farmers, so any training on sanitary and phytosanitary standards led by experts from relevant ministries would provide support for Cambodian durians and enhance their exportability,” he said.

The total land under durian cultivation in Tbong Khmum’s top producers of Memot, Ponhea Kraek, Dambe and O’Reang-ou districts is 610ha, of which 300ha are harvested, with an average annual yield of 4,548 tonnes, the provincial agriculture department reported.

No figures were available for Suong town or the districts of Tbong Khmum or Kroch Chhmar, which are located in the northwestern part of the province.

Published : February 02, 2022

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/international/40011816

Some 150,000 skilled workers are on their way back to Thailand, while the government is setting up job centres in every province of Laos to assist returning migrant workers by providing them with information about new jobs.

Statistics from the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare indicate that more than 246,000 workers have returned to Laos from Thailand since the start of the pandemic when large numbers of people were laid off, with about 150,000 people having returned to Thailand last year. 

Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Welfare, Mr Phongsaisack Intharath, said more than 50 percent of returning workers had now returned to their jobs in Thailand.

Most of them are skilled and they can earn more money in Thailand, where the minimum wage is higher than in Laos.

Employers in Thailand have an increasing need for skilled workers and offer decent wages, whereas companies in Laos are still suffering from a shortage of workers.

There is a lack of accurate data around the situation which has given rise to issues such as informality in the recruitment process and a lack of employment protection. At the same time there is a lack of job market indicators on employment opportunities and unemployment, Mr Phongsaisack said.

“We think the provision of job information centres will play a key role in enabling authorities to help workers in need of assistance,” he added.

People can register at provincial assistance centres so they can get help from the government.

Lao workers who return home to register with the authorities must get work permits and passports from labour officials so they can legally work in Thailand.

The new centres will enable labour market analysis, act as a base for monitoring and reporting on employment and labour policies, and promote the development of job skills, according to a ministry official.

The centres will also allow sharing of information and coordination between the different actors and institutions that produce and utilise labour market information and analysis.

The government has identified certain large-scale development projects in Laos that can benefit from an influx of skilled workers.

These include the Amata Smart & Eco-City in Luang Namtha and Oudomxay provinces, the new international airport in Bokeo, a giant Buddha image under construction at That Luang Marsh, and an infrastructure development project in the Golden Triangle, according to the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare.

The government says it will encourage at least 700 companies to invest in Special Economic Zones over the next five years, saying these companies could create over 130,000 jobs.

By Phetphoxay Sengpaseuth

Published : February 02, 2022

By : Vientiane Times

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/international/40011815

South Korea faced a reduced number of import curbs from trade partners last year for the first time in a decade amid the pandemic, a trade body said Wednesday.

The country was subject to 206 import regulations from 28 countries as of end-December, down 22 from a year earlier amid a decline in global trade during the pandemic, according to a report from the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA).

It marks the first on-year decline from the largest-ever number of import restrictions targeting Asia’s fourth-largest economy in 2020.

Import restrictions cover anti-dumping duties, countervailing tariffs and safeguard measures, including investigations into suspected practices.

Import restrictions have been on a steady rise, with the number rising from 158 in 2014 to 194 in 2018.

Last year, anti-dumping cases amounted to 158, with safeguards and countervailing tariffs coming to 38 and 10, respectively.

By product, import restrictions on steel and metals were the highest at 99, followed by chemicals with 42, and plastic and rubber products with 24. The remainder was in place for textiles, electric goods and electronics, and machinery.

The United States had the most import restrictions on South Korean products with 47. India had the second-most import restrictions with 21, trailed by Turkey with 18, China with 15, and Canada with 14.

The report said South Korea may face more trade barriers and import restrictions this year as countries scramble to take the initiative in the recovery in the post-pandemic era. (Yonhap)

Published : February 02, 2022

By : The Korea Herald