Japan, S. Korea discuss free trade, joint ICT development+

SEOUL, March 22 Kyodo -
Two Japanese government ministers met their South Korean counterparts in Seoul
on Monday to promote bilateral free trade and cooperation in the development of
information-communication technology.

Japanese agriculture minister Hirotaka Akamatsu confirmed in separate meetings
with South Korea's foreign minister Yu Myung Hwan and farm minister Jang Tae
Pyung the two countries' intention to resume negotiations on a free trade
agreement as soon as possible, the Japanese minister said.
There is opposition to the proposed free trade accord in both countries amid
concern it could lead to cutthroat competition.
After the talks with the South Korean ministers, Japan's Agriculture, Forestry
and Fisheries Minister Akamatsu said at a press conference, ''East Asia will
not prosper unless the two countries cooperate more closely.''
''We hope to begin by tackling whatever is feasible even though there are trade
items regarding which Japan and South Korea need to exercise caution,'' he
added.
Japan's Internal Affairs and Communications Minister Kazuhiro Haraguchi agreed
with senior officials of South Korea's Ministry of Public Administration and
Security to begin bilateral dialogue aimed at dealing with issues including the
dissemination of cloud computing services and joint development of
information-communication technology.
==Kyodo
2010-03-22 21:25:15