It emerged on Friday that Korea has lifted restrictions on the importing of US beef, put in place following a 2003 outbreak of 'Mad Cow Disease', a move likely to hasten the implementation of a free trade agreement between the two countries.
The agreement was signed in June of last year, but has yet to be approved by either country.
Official news service, KOIS (Korea Information Service) quoted Assistant Agriculture Minister, Min Dong-seok as explaining that:
"The two sides agreed on sanitary conditions that permit most beef parts from cattle under 30 months old to be imported."
Commenting on the development on Friday, US Trade Representative, Susan Schwab confirmed that:
“I am pleased to announce that we have reached an agreement with the South Korean government to reopen the Korean market to all US beef and beef products, from cattle of all ages.”
She continued:
“The import protocol is fully consistent with OIE guidelines and other international standards. I am very pleased that safe, affordable, high-quality American beef will soon be back on Korean tables. This will be a huge boost to our ranchers and producers who have waited patiently to regain the access to the South Korean beef market that was lost in December 2003.”
“With this full resumption of US beef exports to South Korea, the major obstacle to Congressional consideration of the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA) is removed."
"The Administration will now work in earnest with Congress and the US agriculture, manufacturing, and services sectors to pass the KORUS FTA. Along with the Colombia and Panama FTAs, the KORUS FTA will strengthen our economy and our standing in the world."
"The KORUS FTA – the most commercially significant FTA we have concluded in over 15 years – will create new opportunities for US workers, farmers, ranchers, businesses, and entrepreneurs across the country. It will also deepen our relations with one of our closest allies, and strengthen our vital strategic economic engagement in Asia.”
Scwab concluded:
“I hope South Korea’s leadership on this issue will convince leaders in Japan, Taiwan, China and other markets still maintaining unscientific, unreasonable restrictions on US beef and beef products to take a hard look at this issue, consider the benefits for their consumers, and follow South Korea’s lead in reopening their markets based on internationally recognized scientific guidelines and standards.”
Korean President, Lee Myung-bak urged Congress to ratify the FTA, according to the KOIS, arguing at a recent dinner, during his visit to the United States, that:
"The Korea-US FTA is an essential element in promoting a future-oriented partnership between the two countries. The FTA will be a mutually beneficial deal. It will also help further reinforce the bilateral military alliance on the basis of solid social and economic foundations."
President Bush has also weighed in on the matter, stating that the conclusion of the agreement is a priority for the White House, and that legislators must "reject protectionism".
The US President recently caused controversy by attempting to 'fast track' legislation pertaining to a free trade deal with Colombia through Congress, a move that was roundly rejected by lawmakers.
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