Delayed passage of bills hindering FTA’s ratification

Several bills necessary for the implementation of the free trade agreement with the U.S. have yet to be introduced, hindering the proposed ratification of the accord.

The government and the ruling Grand National Party have pledged to seek ratification of the agreement in next month`s extraordinary session of the National Assembly. If the government and the parliament fail to take swift action, however, the accord cannot take effect due to differing opinions on the necessary bills within the ruling party.

According to a report presented by the Prime Minister’s Office to the ruling party Wednesday, 22 out of 25 additional bills needed for the accord’s implementation must be enacted and revised before the accord takes effect. Yet just eight of the bills have been enacted and revised.

Twelve bills are pending and the remaining two bills, one on pharmacists and the other on fair trade, have yet to be introduced to the National Assembly.

Crucial to the agreement is the revision of the Fair Trade Act on an “agreement order system.” Under the system, the Fair Trade Commission is empowered to handle a fair trade violation by a company without reporting it to prosecutors if the company confesses to the violation and submits to the commission corrective measures.

The government is seeking to swiftly pass the revision since the free trade deal asks for the system’s introduction.

A commission source said, “The enactment of additional laws is a prerequisite for the accord’s effectuation,” adding, “If the Fair Trade Act isn’t revised, the accord will not take effect.”

On the accord`s conditions, Article 24.5 of the agreement says, “The agreement shall take effect 60 days after both parties exchange documents proving the completion of legal requirements and procedures.”

dnsp@donga.com