The First Korea-US FTA Negotiation to be held in June
The ruling Uri party and Seoul government had a talk about Korea-US FTA (Free Trade Agreement), and both agreed that the FTA negotiation between Korean and the US will be a cornerstone for development of both countries in future.
The panels from the ruling party and the administration had the first table talks in the National Assembly yesterday, where prime minster, Lee Hae Chan and Rep., Jay Kun Yoo , and floor leader, Kim Han Gil, from the party, took part. During the talk, both sides confirmed that they will cooperate seeking efficient ways on the controversial issues that are now forecast to come out from the duration of FTA negotiation between Korea and the US in order to foster competitiveness, but they both had positive views on the FTA that will help build up Korean economic polarization and invisible infrastructures. However, it is very clear that government will face difficulties from domestic rice growers. Therefore, improving the quality of locally grown agricultural products will be a key government objective. A source from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry said, "It will inevitably involve the opening of agricultural market."
During the talk, the administration stated that the government will have a first negotiation at least in June with the US and other negotiations every two months. The governmental panel also anticipated the agreement between the two countires and will be finanlized at least by March, 2007. In addition, the government reported that to minimalize Korean agricultural damage and domestic industries from the FTA, it would foster negotiating competitiveness and enhance FTA promotion to citizens so as to decrease misunderstanding about the Korea- US FTA.
The ruling Uri party stated, "In the view of the citizens who might be economically damaged by the FTA, the Uri party will take a step to find alternatives and try to transmit public opinions during the negotiation process."
|
 / 입력시간: 2006. 02.16. 08:19
|
|
|
