ISDS Case Map
Korea
As the government of South Korea notified the public that it will implement new import rules for US beef imports on May 29, civic organizations, labor groups and Internet users are strongly denouncing the move. They plan to take steps to block distribution and consumption of the American meat, while warning of a “nationwide, anti-government fight".
South Korea's political opposition asked the Constitutional Court on Friday to block U.S. beef from entering the country after the government announced it would resume imports within days under an accord with Washington.
South Korea lifted its ban on US beef imports Thursday despite growing protests over fears of mad cow disease as it struggles to ratify a sweeping free trade deal with the world's biggest economy.
South Korea's labour unions on Wednesday vowed to block the planned release of US beef from cold storage this week, as protests sparked by mad cow fears intensified.
The prospect of Seoul gaining early ratification of a free trade deal with Washington was dimming Tuesday, as opposition parties continued to boycott the last session of the outgoing parliament amid an uproar over scheduled US beef imports.
Sixty-eight protesters have been detained after participating in street demonstrations against South Korea's decision to resume imports of US beef, police said Monday.
President Lee Myung-bak and Chinese President Hu Jintao agreed Tuesday to forge a "strategic partnership" between the two countries. The free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations between Korea and China will be sought after joint research.
A concrete mixer. Crates of cauliflower. A Harley-Davidson. Chunks of cheese. President Bush used a White House lawn stacked with props yesterday to press Congress to approve free-trade pacts with Colombia, Panama, and South Korea.
Democratic presidential front-runner Barack Obama in a letter released on Friday warned of a major fight over a free trade agreement with South Korea if President George W. Bush sends it to the U.S. Congress.
India is currently negotiating preferential trade and investment agreements with some developed countries - the European Union, Japan and Korea.
