April 3, 2007

South Korea to discuss beef trade with US after FTA 
 

The United States and South Korea will start fresh negotiations on new import guidelines for American beef in summer after the OIE's final declaration on American beef.

The two nations have already reached a free trade agreement on April 1.

Agriculture Minister Park Hong-soo as quoted by Yonhap news said a "secret deal" that would allow a wide range of American beef to enter the market in the near future are incorrect.

Hong-soo said negotiations will immediately commence once the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) gives the "controlled risk" after its panel meeting beef in late May.

He said beef import standards should be decided through scientific assessments and not of any policy considerations.