Panel to Discuss Korea Free Trade Agreement

A panel of industry representatives and trade experts, including a high-ranking official with the State Department, will discuss the Korean Free Trade Agreement and its potential impact on Washington state businesses at City Hall on Friday.   

Co-hosted by the Bellevue Office of Economic Development and the World Trade Council, the lunch event will be 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. It’s one of many economic development forums that take place at City Hall throughout the year.   The U.S. - Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS) was signed by the U.S. and South Korean governments in 2007. This agreement – the most commercially significant U.S. trade deal in more than a decade – now awaits approval by the U.S. Congress.   

If approved, KORUS would eliminate tariffs on most industrial and consumer goods exported to South Korea within five years. South Korea was Washington's fourth-largest export market, with sales of nearly $1.9 billion from diverse products including airplanes, software, architecture, cherries, potatoes and wine. Supporters say KORUS would bring significant economic benefits and opportunities to Washington's farmers, businesses and workers.   Panel speakers will include:

• William E. Craft, Jr., Deputy Assistant Secretary, Trade Policy and Programs, U.S. Department of State

• The Honorable Young-wan Song, Korean Consulate General

• Mike Nunes, Business Development and Strategy for Boeing Commercial Airplanes

• Robert Hamilton, Governor’s Advisor for Trade Policy

• Tay Yoshitani, Chief Executive Officer for the Port of Seattle

• Brian Thompson, Sales Manager, Anderson Hay & Grain Co., Inc.

Bellevue Mayor Don Davidson will introduce the meeting.   Members and students: $25, non-members: $40. Parking is free, but limited, with validation obtained at the City Hall Service First desk. Register at http://mms.worldtradeclub.net/members/evr/reg_event.php?evid=3756107&orgcode=WTCL.