South Korea is leading the global semiconductor industry’s cooperative framework this year. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (Minister Kim Jeong-gwan) announced on the 4th that the ‘Government/Authorities Meeting on Semiconductors (GAMS)’ would be held over three days from November 4th to 6th in Busan.
GAMS is an inter-governmental consultative body established based on the ‘Joint Statement on Semiconductors’ adopted by four countries (Korea, US, Japan, and EU) in 1999. Taiwan joined as an associate member in 2000 and China in 2006. The conference is hosted annually by a member country on a rotational basis, with South Korea serving as the chair this year.
This meeting is chaired by Choi Woo-hyeok, Director of Advanced Industry Policy at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, with attendance from government officials (director-level) and representatives of about 100 global semiconductor companies. Participating organizations and companies include major global semiconductor firms such as Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, Intel, TSMC, Onsemi, Texas Instruments, and the related semiconductor associations of each country.
GAMS operates in conjunction with the World Semiconductor Council (WSC). The meeting receives policy recommendations and results from industry activities, and discussions between governments lead to a unified response direction. The meeting progresses in the order of WSC report → intergovernmental discussions → adoption of a joint statement under the chair’s name.
This year’s WSC has proposed key agendas including semiconductor industry policy trends, response to environmental regulations such as PFAS and greenhouse gas reductions, revision of semiconductor item classifications (HS code), and protection of intellectual property rights. GAMS plans to coordinate policy responses of each government based on these industry suggestions.
During the conference, government delegations from South Korea and five other countries will conduct bilateral meetings sequentially. At these meetings, countries will exchange their stances on major issues such as semiconductor supply chains, environmental regulations, technology standards, and trade policies, and discuss specific cooperation measures.
In his opening keynote speech, Choi Woo-hyeok, the Director of Advanced Industry Policy at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, stated, “The rapid growth of the AI industry is driving unprecedented increases in global semiconductor demand.” He highlighted that “The stability and transparency of the supply chain have become key challenges for the global economy.” He emphasized, “As a semiconductor powerhouse, South Korea will play a central role in fostering cooperation among countries as this year’s GAMS chair. We will reinforce unity between governments and industries for the sustainable development of the international semiconductor industry.”