By Kim Se-jeong
Visiting Peruvian President Alan Garcia Monday expressed active enthusiasm Monday for a free trade accord with Korea, saying that it would improve people’s lives as well as benefit Korean companies.
“The way to improve the quality of people’s lives in my country is by technological development and education,” the president told a group of reporters at a press conference.
Garcia has put his faith strongly on the free trade agreement (FTA) with Korea to achieve this. After 18 months of talks, the two countries concluded negotiations in August.
Garcia flew to Korea Monday at the end of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting held in Yokohama, Japan, over the weekend. The final signing will take place early next year before ratification. Peru also signed an FTA with Japan over the weekend.
“Korea has far more advanced technologies than Peru,” he said, adding, “We are particularly looking forward to cooperation in the natural gas field,” in which Korea has expertise in transportation and drilling.
He went on to mention technologies in oil refining, construction of power plants, seafood processing and waterworks, and the environment, as sectors he hopes Korean companies will advance into.
The FTA will guarantee Peru better market access in Korea, bringing in organic coffee, bananas, asparagus, textiles and fish products. Korea will export its automobiles and electronic goods to the Peruvian market. The President made a surprise comment, joining condemnation on North Korea’s attack on a South Korean vessel in the West Sea.
“We condemn North Korea for attacking a neighboring country, as it interferes with democratic development.”
Regarding the faltering Korea-U.S. FTA, he commented that it was evidence that Korean products have gained competence.
President Garcia’s stopover in Korea was very short ― he leaves later today. He also met with CEOs of Korean companies that are currently investing in Peru, including SK Energy & Chemicals.