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  1. Negotiations

Korea


The government of South Korea has concluded, or is pursuing negotiations for, a number of bilateral free trade and investment agreements. Korean social movements have been mobilizing in opposition to these ever since the Korea-Chile FTA was proposed. So far, South Korea has signed deals with Chile (2004), EFTA (2004), Singapore (2005), ASEAN (2007) the US (2007, ratified in 2011), Peru (2011) and Turkey (2012). Talks are under way with Canada, China, Mexico, India, the EU and, technically speaking, Japan. Negotiations with Colombia have stalled over Colombia’s demands for access for better terms for its fruit and flower exports than what Korea gives Chile and Peru. Seoul is also looking to open discussions with Mercosur, Malaysia, Mexico and possibly Israel.

last update: May 2012
Photo: Joe Mabel / CC BY-SA 3.0

Ecuador urges Korea to begin trade negotiations
7-Jul-2014     Korea Times
Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Ricardo Patino Thursday urged Korea to take steps toward a comprehensive economic partnership agreement with his country as soon as possible.
S.Korea announces new free trade deal with Turkey
7-Jul-2014     World Bulletin
South Korea and Turkey have paved the way for a new free trade deal covering the service and investment sectors, according to Seoul’s trade ministry on Monday.
Korea-Colombia free trade agreement excludes rice and rice related products, says USDA Post
6-Jun-2014     Oryza
USDA Post reports that South Korea's National Assembly has ratified the Korea-Colombia Free Trade Agreement, but the FTA excludes rice and other rice related products.
Colombia thrilled about Korea FTA
11-May-2014    
Colombia is set to gain a foothold in East Asia after a free trade agreement is signed with Korea.
Korea continues to push for more free trade deals
13-Mar-2014     Arirang
Those for -- and against -- the government's initiative to sign more free trade deals continue to lock horns and its still unclear whether the government's on-going FTA negotiations will help or harm the Korean economy.
Korea & India to upgrade CEPA, revise tax treaty
17-Jan-2014     Arirang
Korean President Park and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh have decided to quickly upgrade the Korea-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, or CEPA, so that it covers not only goods, but also investments and services.
Seoul affirms interest in joining TPP, but says China deal comes first
13-Jan-2014     Wall St Journal
South Korea’s Trade Ministry made clear Monday that the country will prioritize bilateral free trade negotiations with China this year over the multilateral Trans-Pacific Partnership
Korea and Myanmar sign investment guarantee treaty
9-Jan-2014     Korea IT Times
The governments of Myanmar and Korea have signed an investment guarantee agreement to protect companies like POSCO and Daewoo International operating in Burma.
Korea suddenly wants in to TPP, resumes FTA talks with NZ
4-Dec-2013     National Business Review
South Korea has suddenly emerged as willing would-be partner in the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade agreement, as well as announcing today it was resuming negotiations with New Zealand on a free trade deal.
Korea, Vietnam agree to work more closely on FTA
26-Nov-2013    
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on November 24 that it held the fourth bilateral joint committee meeting with the Vietnamese government in Can Tho City. The conclusion of the free trade agreement between Korea and Vietnam is expected to speed up.