US Trade Groups Urge Swift Ratification of FTA

American trade groups have urged their government and Congress to swiftly ratify the free trade agreement with Korea, the Korea International Trade Association said yesterday.

A report released by the association`s branch in Washington, D.C., warned that a further delay will could mean a lost opportunity in the Korean market for American businesses.

They said a delay will undermine the competitiveness of American products in Korea since Seoul has implemented similar deals with Chile and the European Union.

The report focused on complaints by American sectors over accessibility to the Korean market. Twenty-one American trade associations including the California Association of Winegrape Growers have filed petitions with the U.S. Trade Representative for ratification of the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement.

imsun@donga.com