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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

See also
'Poison pill'
18-Mar-2010    
Korea's Ministry of Justice has recently proposed a revision of the commercial law provisions, including the introduction of a "poison pill," which is one of the common tools to enable local firms to defend themselves against hostile takeovers. How will this work in the context of Korea's FTAs?
Fourth Round of Korea-Australia FTA Kicks off in Seoul
15-Mar-2010    
A fourth round of free trade negotiations between Korea and Australia is scheduled to open in Seoul, Monday.
Shall we protest?
27-Jan-2010     BSS
Documentary film about the Chotbul (« candlelight ») political rallies that paralysed the city of Seoul from May to August 2008. The film explains with great insight and passion how a small online forum of fashion victims called the SoulDresser managed to bring 1 million citizens in the streets to protest against the South Korea/US FTA (free trade agreements).
UAE, S Korea sign economic cooperation pact
28-Dec-2009     Arabian Business
South Korea said on Sunday it had signed an enhanced economic cooperation agreement with the UAE as the two get set to mark their 30-year relationship anniversary next year.
S Korea, Japan fail to agree on resuming free trade negotiations
23-Dec-2009     Xinhua
South Korea and Japan failed to pin down the exact date to resume bilateral free trade negotiations during their latest talks.
EU urged to suspend trade talks with Colombia
10-Dec-2009     EU Politics News
Senior British MEP Richard Howitt has urged the EU to suspend free trade agreement talks with Colombia because of the country´s "profound" human rights "crisis."
Korea, Colombia seek high-level FTA
10-Dec-2009     Korea Herald
Korea and Colombia agreed Wednesday to seal a high-level free trade agreement covering services, investment and other sectors, Seoul's trade ministry said.
S. Korea, Colombia open 1st round of free trade talks
7-Dec-2009     Yonhap
Trade officials from South Korea and Colombia kicked off their first round of negotiations here Monday aimed at forging a free trade agreement (FTA) to boost the flow of goods and investment.
Colombia FTA talks closer
19-Nov-2009    
Korea and Colombia will launch formal negotiations next month to seal a free trade agreement (FTA) as part of efforts to boost bilateral trade, Seoul’s trade ministry said yesterday.
Leaders of S. Korea, Chile agree to improve ties through FTA revision
11-Nov-2009    
South Korean President Lee Myung-bak and visiting Chilean President Michelle Bachelet agreed Wednesday to revise a free trade agreement (FTA) between their countries to reflect changed conditions since the deal was signed five years ago.

Referenced sites

Korean People's Action against FTA and WTO (KoPA)

KoPA is a coalition of around 50 NGOs, social movement organizations, political parties, peasant organizations and trade unions working, among other things, ...

Occupy FTA