April 27, 2007

South Korea urged to resume its Canadian beef imports

The South Korean Foreign Ministry said Ottawa had demanded Seoul to open its market for Canadian beef during the tenth round of negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA).

A ministry official revealed South Korea delegates have rejected the demand, stating beef issues are not part of the agenda for FTA talks.

The official said Canada has long demanded that Korea resume imports of its beef.

South Korea has banned beef from Canada after a case of mad cow disease was confirmed in the province of Alberta.