S. Korea, S. Africa to discuss possible FTA
Yonhap via Asia Pulse
Friday June 24, 2005
S. Korea, S. Africa To Discuss Possible FTA
JOHANNESBURG, June 24 Asia Pulse - South Korea and South Africa will hold talks next week in Pretoria to discuss a variety of issues, including the possible signing of a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA), South Korean officials said Thursday.
The two parties are scheduled to hold a third round of policy coordination talks from Tuesday and Wednesday.
Shon Sae-joo, head of the Asia and Middle East bureau at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, is to lead a South Korean delegation while South Africa will be represented by Anil Sucral, assistant secretary of South Africa’s foreign affairs ministry.
The possible conclusion of an FTA with South Africa could make the country a bridgehead for South Korean firms branching out into the potentially lucrative African market.
South Korea is also expected to push for an agreement with South Africa on cooperation in sports and cultural event and also on the peaceful utilization of nuclear power.
During the two day conference, South Korea plans to search for ways to include itself in South Africa’s procurement operations for the World Cup 2010 to be held here.
"Through the policy conference, South Korea seeks to contribute to the maintenance of peace in Africa and also to establish ways to cooperate economically with one of the wealthiest nations in Africa," said an official from the South Korean Embassy in Pretoria.
