Secretary Locke and Congressional Delegation Conclude Productive South Korea Meetings
Today Secretary Gary Locke and the congressional delegation concluded
their three-day trip to Seoul with a visit to the Demilitarized Zone – the
border between South and North Korea – and a lunch with U.S troops and their
families at Yongsan Garrison to thank them for their service. The group also
met with leaders of South Korea’s Democratic Party and Grand National Party at
Korea’s National Assembly to discuss the U.S.-South Korea Trade Agreement
(KORUS).
“Over the last few days we have had the
opportunity to see first-hand the benefits that KORUS will bring to the
economies of both the U.S. and Korea,” Locke said. “There is great demand for
U.S. products -- from made-in-America cell phone components to life-saving
medical equipment. This agreement will increase mutually beneficial trade,
strengthen our economies and create jobs in both of our countries.”
Locke also visited Seoul National University Hospital for a
demonstration of Varian Medical Systems’ (Palo Alto, Calif.) advanced
radiotherapy technology. Varian is the world leader in this life-saving,
cancer treatment technology with approximately $34 million worth of annual
sales to South Korea. Their equipment is manufactured in California and
Utah and exported globally. Under the U.S.-South Korea trade agreement, the
tariff on Varian’s products would be eliminated, making the company more
competitive in the Korean market.
During
the trip, Locke and the congressional delegation met with South Korea’s key
political leaders, including President Lee Myung-Bak,
the Minister of Knowledge Economy, the Minister of Trade, the Minister of
Foreign Affairs, as well as American and South Korean business leaders, and
university students. They stressed the importance of the U.S.-South Korea
agreement to strengthening the countries’ economies and the bilateral relationship.
Locke also visited Pantech’s manufacturing facility to see assembly of cell
phones using high-tech U.S.-made components.
“As
a Korean War veteran, I couldn't have been more proud to witness today's
'Dynamic Korea.' Seoul's skyscrapers, booming businesses and rising apartment
buildings are a testament to the resiliency and determination of the Korean
people,” U.S. Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-N.Y.) said. “I remain optimistic that the
U.S. Congress will soon ratify the pending free trade agreement between our two
nations.”
“It
has been a successful trip and we understand the importance of and the depth of
feeling South Koreans have about concluding KORUS," U.S. Rep. Jim
McDermott (D-Wash.) said. "We have been friends with South Korea for a
long time, and they want us to recognize them for what they are – an economic
powerhouse. The Korean government has made it clear this trade deal is a
priority, and they were willing to show flexibility to ensure it is a win for
both countries."
"In
today's world we need strong allies like South Korea more than ever,” U.S. Rep.
Joseph Crowley (D-N.Y.) said. “Expanding our trade relationship is the
right thing to do for America's national security as well as for growing our
exports and maintaining U.S. competitiveness. I look forward to working
to secure Congressional approval of KORUS upon our return to the U.S. And
I want to thank South Korea for the warm welcome and hospitality they've shown
to us throughout our visit."
"This
trip has been an unforgettable experience. I appreciate the invitation from
Secretary Locke, and I thank the people of Korea for their hospitality,"
U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert (R-Wash.) said. "This visit has served to
reinforce the economic benefits of the KORUS FTA to both the United States and
to Korea. I look forward to sharing what I have learned on this trip as I
continue working with my colleagues to promote the benefits of this
agreement."
See
Congressman Jim McDermott’s guest blog post,
CEO of Varian Medical Systems Timothy E. Guertin’s guest blog post,
and updated photos from
today’s events.
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