UK Welcomes Progress Towards Korea Free Trade Deal
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Issued 15 October 2009
Business Secretary Lord Mandelson has urged British exporters to be ready to
seize opportunities presented by a free trade deal with Korea.
EU Trade Commissioner Baroness Ashton and Minister Kim met in Brussels today
(15 October) to initial the EU-Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Lord Mandelson said that a successful conclusion to the FTA would mean
significant gains for UK companies as a result of a reduction in tariffs and
other barriers facing exporters to Korea. Lord Mandelson added he was delighted
that negotiations - launched in 2007 whilst he was EU Trade Commissioner – had
now been concluded.
Lord Mandelson said:
"Open markets present huge opportunities for UK exporters and are vital for
jobs and growth. Virtually all tariff barriers will be swept away creating new
access for UK exporters and service providers.
“Based on current trading patterns, the UK economy would be boosted by around
£500 million. However, this does not take into account new trade opportunities
that would be created to drive this figure even higher.”
Lord Davies, Minister for Trade, Investment and Small Business said:
“Korea is a major importer of those goods and services where the UK has a
distinct competitive advantage including automotive components, pharmaceuticals,
aircraft engines, electronics goods, financial services. I now look forward to
the agreement being formerly signed and ratified next year.”
Notes
1. EU-Korea Free Trade Agreement negotiations were launched in 2007, by Lord
Mandelson as EU Trade Commissioner.
2. Initialling is a non-legally binding indication that the form and content
of the agreement is settled. It indicates that negotiations between the parties
have essentially concluded. This precedes the formal signing of the agreement.
3. Following initialling, the Commission will seek assent from the European
Parliament, and the Council of Ministers. If this is secured then the agreement
would be signed by the parties to the agreement (the European Commission, EU
Member States and the Korean government). Following signature the FTA will need
to be ratified in the parliaments of all 27 member states and Korea.
4. It is estimated that opening up Korea’s markets would result in the
immediate reduction of €1.6bn in tariffs on EU exports and the creation of €19
billion per year in export opportunities for EU industry. The gains to the UK
economy are estimated at around £0.5 billion per year.
Department for Business, Innovation & Skills
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) is building a
dynamic and competitive UK economy by: creating the conditions for business
success; promoting innovation, enterprise and science; and giving everyone the
skills and opportunities to succeed. To achieve this it will foster world-class
universities and promote an open global economy. BIS - Investing in our future.
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