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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
Korea pushing to mitigate impact of free trade deals
3-Nov-2005     Yonhap
South Korea is moving to provide financial assistance and other support to companies and their workers who are adversely affected by free trade agreements with foreign countries, officials said Tuesday.
Prospects seen dim for Japan trade pact
30-Oct-2005     JoongAng Daily
Korea's top trade official voiced pessimism about the prospects for signing a free trade agreement with Japan and the United States, but was more hopeful about future trade accords with other nations.
BOK head calls for FTAs in N-E Asia
18-Oct-2005     Korea Times
The nation's top central banker Monday stressed the need for speeding up the formation of free trade agreements (FTAs) among Korea, China and Japan, to boost regional cooperation and mutual investment.
S. Korea, EFTA initial free trade accord
14-Sep-2005     Asia Pulse
South Korea and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) initialed a free trade agreement (FTA) on Tuesday, a deal that should give domestic companies a beachhead in the European market, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said.
Seoul gingerly courts trade pacts
14-Sep-2005     JoongAng Daily
Seoul is trying to adopt a more flexible approach to deeper international economic ties after the very public and very intense domestic brawl over the ratification of a free trade agreement with Chile.
South Korea, Mexico to push for limited trade talks
11-Sep-2005     Reuters South Africa
South Korea and Mexico have agreed to discuss a limited economic cooperation after failing to open talks on a free trade agreement, Seoul's presidential office and foreign ministry said on Saturday.
Australia seeks FTA with Korea
9-Sep-2005    
Australia is urging South Korea to kick off negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) to facilitate a growing bilateral trade in raw materials, agricultural and manufactured goods, according to a senior Australian official.
Mexico: Korea's most important economic partner in L. America
8-Sep-2005    
Last year represented a historic moment in the economic relationship between Latin America and Korea.
Korea seeks detour for FTA with Mexico
8-Sep-2005    
South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun's visit here will likely be a great challenge for the two countries, which are haggling over a free trade agreement (FTA) across the Pacific Ocean.
Mexico FTA Talks Stall
25-Aug-2005    
The launch of free trade agreement (FTA) talks between South Korea and Mexico have stalled, on the latter's request for an additional concession.

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