The National Pension Fund Committee held its 7th meeting of 2025 and decided to extend the strategic hedge period until 2026.
Following this decision, the National Pension Service plans to extend the foreign exchange swap contract with the Bank of Korea until the end of 2026.
The committee also reviewed and approved the plan for setting the target excess return rate, deciding on a cumulative target excess return rate of 0.248%p for 2022-2026.

On December 14, highly pathogenic avian influenza was detected at a broiler breeder farm in Namwon, Jeonbuk.
The Central Accident Management Headquarters immediately implemented quarantine measures and issued a temporary movement ban in nearby areas.
To prevent further outbreaks, nationwide poultry farm inspections will be intensified.

The Rural Development Administration announced that black goat meat helps maintain gut microbiome balance and improve immune function in elderly dogs.
Researchers fed 12 elderly dogs aged 15 black goat meat for four weeks and compared changes in their gut microbiome.
The results showed a decrease in inflammation-related microbes and an increase in beneficial bacteria.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy held the 2025 Korea-Africa Trade and Industry Cooperation Forum at the Koreana Hotel in Seoul.
The forum was attended by over 100 participants, including ambassadors from 12 African countries, businesspeople, and experts.
The forum aimed to review economic cooperation achievements and discuss future cooperation plans.

The Rural Development Administration has provided guidelines to ensure the quality and safety of medicinal crops post-harvest.
It is crucial to wash and dry the crops quickly to maintain their pharmacological properties, and to use appropriate drying methods based on the crop type.
Proper storage is essential to prevent spoilage and pest damage, with recommendations to use clean packaging and maintain low temperatures.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy held the Global Market Strategy Meeting on December 15.
The meeting discussed changes in the trade environment, export expansion, and investment attraction strategies with key trade officials and KOTRA regional directors.
The Ministry and KOTRA will hold a Global Market Entry Strategy Briefing on December 16.