New round to play vital role in conclusion of KORUS FTA

15 Feb '07

3 min read

Emphasizing the fact that both sides have been “in close touch,” Cutler told that both governments came “to this round with responses to proposals that were put on the table and also with new ideas to narrow our gaps on a range of issues.”

The U.S. chief negotiator also stressed that both sides “will make substantial progress” by the end of the round.

With regard to trade remedies, the American trade official said that the discussion will focus on safeguard provisions and promised to hold “many discussions under the rubric of trade remedies.”

On automobile and pharmaceuticals, Cutler stressed that the issues “need to be satisfactorily addressed in any FTA.” She also reported that U.S. has requested Korea to “eliminate the discrimination” through engine displacement taxes and to remove the 8 percent tariff on U.S. cars. The U.S. trade official said Seoul has asked the same.

Concerning the rice issue, she told the reporters that the U.S. “recognizes the sensitivity of issue” but is asking increased agricultural market access to Korea.

When asked to give a forecast of the round, the U.S. chief negotiator said that she “remains optimistic” and both parties are “here to work hard” to “come out of this week with significant progress that will lead to final deal.”

Embassy of the Republic of Korea in US

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