US ambassador says renegotiation of free trade deal with Seoul possible
Yonhap | 2013/03/14
U.S. ambassador says renegotiation of free trade deal with Seoul possible
BUSAN, March 14 (Yonhap) — The U.S. ambassador to Seoul raised the possibility of making changes to the free trade agreement with South Korea, saying a renegotiation would be possible if South Korea wants to do so.
U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim made the remarks during his visit to the southern port city of Busan to mark the first anniversary of the implementation of the Korea-U.S. free trade agreement.
Kim said the U.S. will be ready to renegotiate the deal if South Korea requests it, citing a provision that could alter the agreement.
Some experts and opposition lawmakers have claimed that a dispute settlement mechanism involving South Korea and foreign investors articulated in the agreement undermines Seoul’s legal independence. They have also asked the government to map out more protective measures for the agriculture sector.
