South Korea and Japan are set for a show-down at the World Trade Organization's Geneva headquarters over Tokyo's export restrictions on Seoul.
Director-level officials from the two sides will attend Friday's talks.
This comes after South Korea sent a request for a bilateral consultation after lodging a complaint to the WTO last month.
According to WTO rules, both parties are expected to hold their first consultation within 30 days of the original request.
In July, Tokyo imposed export restrictions to South Korea on three high-tech materials, which are crucial in the production of semiconductors and displays.
Seoul says the curbs violate WTO rules and the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.