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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


Finance Minister Warns Against FX Speculation: Korea Seeks to Resume FTA Talks With Japan
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economy Han Duck-soo Wednesday said that the Korean won’s current strength against the dollar will not last long.
FTA Talks With Japan: Positive But Prudent Approach Needed
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economy Han Duck-soo said on Wednesday that the government would seek to resume free trade agreement (FTA) talks with Japan soon. Han said that recent developments have created a favorable climate for Korea to resume the FTA talks with Japan.
S. Korea, India aim to sign free trade deal by end of 2007
South Korea and India announced Tuesday the start of negotiations aimed at signing a free trade deal by the end of next year, officials said.
S. Korea set to re-open FTA talks with Japan
South Korea is willing to resume talks with Japan on a free trade agreement (FTA) if the latter promises to open its agricultural market wider, Seoul’s top economic policymaker said Saturday.
Korea now plans to expand free trade aggressively
After reaching free trade agreements with relatively small economies such as Chile and Singapore, Korea is looking to expand its horizons as it prepares to launch free trade negotiations with two of the world’s leading economies.
S. Korea-Singapore FTA to take effect in March
South Korea and Singapore agreed to begin implementation of a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) on March 2, according to South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade on Tuesday.
Indian president makes first-ever state visit to Korea
Indian President Abdul Kalam will make a four-day visit to Korea from Feb. 6 through 9 for a summit with Korean President Roh Moo-hyun.
New Australian envoy looking ahead to FTA deal
The new Australian Ambassador’s third posting in Korea might be the charm that helps bring Australia-Korea trade relations to its zenith.
KITA launches web portal on FTAs
The Korea International Trade Association on Wednesday launched a web portal on the country’s free trade agreements.
Korea saw rapid FTA progress in 2005
Korea made significant achievements in the area of free trade agreements in 2005, demonstrating the government’s stellar management of trade policies, experts say.