国际英语新闻：U.S. reaffirms efforts to push FTA with South Korea

WASHINGTON, May 18 (Xinhua) -- The United States reaffirmed on Tuesday that it is moving forward the free trade agreement (FTA) with South Korea, in an effort to achieve the goal of Obama administration's doubling export in five years.

After meeting with South Korean Trade Minister Kim Jong-hoon, U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk said he will work together closely with his counterpart from South Korea on addressing the outstanding issues surrounding the U.S.-South Korea FTA.

He emphasized the economic significance of the FTA and its potential to play a major role in meeting the Obama administration's goal of doubling U.S. exports over the next five years, as well as in growing well-paid jobs in the United States.

According to the latest data, South Korea is the U.S.' seventh-largest trading partner, with two-way goods trade reaching 67.8 billion U.S. dollars in 2009 and two-way trade in services reaching 21.5 billion dollars in 2008.

The two countries signed FTA in June 2007, but it is currently pending U.S. Congressional approval. According to the independent U.S. International Trade Commission, full implementation of the FTA is expected to boost U.S. goods exports to South Korea by 10-11 billion dollars annually, and increase U.S. GDP by 10-12 billion dollars per year.

The White House estimates that full implementation of the FTA could add up to 70,000 jobs in the United States. However, concerns have been raised about the FTA in the United States, particularly with respect to autos and beef.

The Obama administration is consulting with Congress and other U.S. stakeholders to find ways to address these concerns.