New Beef Rules Likely to Be Published This Week

The government and the ruling Grand National Party (GNP) agreed to publish new beef import standards in the government gazette following its public announcement of the results of the additional negotiation over U.S. beef imports.

However, given that the government cannot delay the ministerial notification indefinitely, it is highly likely to publish the new beef import regulations before the end of this week.

The ruling party, the government and the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae discussed contents of the ministerial notification and its follow-up measures at a meeting at the presidential office Monday and concluded that the government needs to announce the new rules only after explaining health safety measures to the public, GNP spokeswoman Cho Yoon-sun said.

She said, “If things go well with public relations over the new beef import standards, it is possible to release the ministerial notification within the week.”

Regarding the atmosphere of the meeting, she noted, “The government intended to accelerate the publication process considering the finalization of the major pending issues including quarantine guidelines and labeling of the country of origin. On the other hand, the ruling party wanted to take more time to make public the results of the additional negotiation since the people are yet to fully understand the contents.”

With the participants of the meeting concluded to strengthen public relations over the new beef import rules, Trade Minister Kim Jong-hoon held another emergency press conference to explain the issues on the same day.

The ruling party, the government and Cheong Wa Dae will also convene a meeting on Tuesday to discuss the measures to strengthen public awareness and countermeasures.

Meanwhile, GNP floor leader Hong Joon-pyo said on the timing of the government notification of the new beef accord, “The government cannot afford to indefinitely postpone (the publication). I believe it should be done within the week.”

jameshuh@donga.com