S. Korea, EU hold 3rd round of talks on digital trade pact

South Korea and the European Union launched the third round of talks on a bilateral digital agreement, the industry ministry said Monday, as the two parties seek a broader partnership in the digital domain. The negotiation kicked off in Seoul on Monday for a three-day run in Brussels, following two rounds of talks held in December and February, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. "During the third round of negotiations, the two parties will exchange their respective stances on detailed articles and work toward narrowing differences to make progress," the ministry said in a statement. South Korea and the EU have been seeking to clinch a digital trade pact that "will provide legal certainty for businesses and consumers engaged in digital trade, enhance their protection in digital transactions, and foster an open, free and fair online environment." The pact, when implemented, will bolster the competitiveness of South Korean firms by expanding their network with the EU, the world's top e conomic bloc, the ministry added. Source: Yonhap News Agency