Update on Implementation of Free Trade Agreements with Korea, Colombia, and Panama

Please be advised that U.S. and Korean working-level officials are meeting in Washington, DC today and tomorrow to discuss implementation issues regarding the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement. This meeting is part of our ongoing implementation work with Korea that to date has included videoconferences and exchanges of information on laws and regulations. This meeting follows the November 22 approval of the agreement by Korea's National Assembly and recent Congressional approval in the United States.

USTR is working with all three new FTA partner countries toward bringing agreements into force. USTR is currently in the process of receiving and translating materials from Colombia regarding steps necessary to bring that agreement into force; U.S. officials are working with the Government of Panama regarding materials that need to be submitted by Panama to enable us to assess necessary steps as well. USTR officials also traveled to Colombia and Panama for meetings on Nov. 8-9 to launch FTA implementation work.