ISDS Case Map
China
South Korea and China have agreed to designate the Kaesong Industrial Complex an outward processing zone (OPZ). The agreement was made shortly before the two countries’ trade ministers declared the opening of negotiations for a South Korea-China free trade agreement (FTA).
Trade minister Park Tae-ho has declared the opening of free trade agreement negotiations with China, but a rough road lies ahead. In addition to concerns about the major blow an FTA would deal to the domestic agriculture and fishing sectors and small manufacturers, questions are also being raised about the economic effects of recent FTAs with the European Union and United States.
On May 2, South Korea and China formally announced the beginning of negotiations toward a bilateral free trade agreement.
Major concerns about a potential South Korea-China free trade agreement are already being voiced by the agriculture community and small manufacturers.
Trade Minister Craig Emerson says a free trade agreement with China is overrated.
Talks between the two countries began nearly seven years ago but have faced a number of problems, particularly around agricultural trade.
Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said Saturday that cooperation between China and Iceland had great potential.
On April 17 and 18, ahead of the proclamation of the beginning of negotiations for a China-Korea FTA, economic and diplomatic experts from both countries gathered in Seoul and discussed methods of drafting the FTA.
The Japanese government has decided to consider negotiating for a free trade agreement with China as prospects for a trilateral accord with China and South Korea have become grimmer due to Seoul's opposition for fear of a rise in imports from Japan, trade sources said Wednesday.
Beijing and Seoul's positions have been "reasoned and well communicated" as they prepare for formal negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement that is expected soon, Kim Min-cheol, one of Seoul's major negotiators, said in an exclusive interview with China Daily.
Taiwan must begin as soon as possible to discuss with other countries its desire to forge free trade agreements (FTAs) with them, Premier Sean Chen said Saturday.
