1. BILATERAL/MULTILATERAL ISSUES

Korean Government Resumes FTA Negotiations with Canada, Australia and New Zealand [Korean, LSH]

http://biz.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2013/10/20/2013102004013.html

Summary: Currently Korean government decided to reopen the FTA negotiations with Canada, Australia and New Zealand, which were tentatively suspended in the past administration.  In particular, FTA negotiations with Canada will be accelerated with an aim to settle within this year.  The Ministry of Trade Industry and Energy (MOTIE) Assistant Secretary said, “Although the government did not make decisions on participating in TPP yet, they thought that bilateral partnership with the member nations of TPP will be somehow beneficial.”  If Korean government successfully concludes FTA with these three nations, Korea becomes partner with 10 nations in TPP except for Japan and Mexico.

2. GRAIN & OILSEED ISSUES

Government Plans to Purchase 403,000 tons of Public Stock of Paddy Rice [Korean, LSH]

http://www.edaily.co.kr/news/NewsRead.edy?SCD=JG31&newsid=01282486602974888&DCD=A00703&OutLnkChk=Y

Summary: National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service reported that starting from Gangwondo and spreading to a total of 4,132 inspection offices, the government will purchase 403,000 tons of paddy rice for public stock.  The standard of moisture content is set at 13 to 15 percent and the farmhouses are encouraged to meet the standard to gain high ratings.

3. LIVESTOCK ISSUES

Imported Beef Instead of Hairtail? [Korean, LSH]

http://news.heraldcorp.com/view.php?ud=20131020000122&md=20131021003103_AT

Summary: Due to radiation leaks in Japan, the sales volume for fishery products declined sharply, while livestock industry benefitted from this market trend. The sales of three major fish products, mackerel, hairtail and squid decreased around 20 - 30 percent. In contrast, sales of chicken, beef and pork increased by 18 percent, 14 percent and 5 percent each. Especially, the imported beef sales are on a sharp increase, now by as much as  40 percent. As the demand for livestock products rise, the market price increased as well. 

4. OTHER MISCELLANEOUS ISSUES

Fear of radioactive contamination on fishery products extends for a long period of time urging government to take action [Korean, LSH]

http://news20.busan.com/controller/newsController.jsp?newsId=20131016000163

Summary: An increasing number of consumers have begun to avoid consuming fishery products worrying that it might contain radioactive contamination.  Although Korean government had fortified importing regulations on products from Fukushima, the drop in consumer confidence problem continues.  Fishery industries are negatively hit by the consumer downturn and they urge that the government must take additional measures to alleviate the situation.  Through constant and systematic investigation, the government must promote campaigns that promote the safety of domestic fishery products.  Introducing Seafood Traceability System and intensifying a monitoring system are additional possible measures to bring up consumption and, the government must play an active role in promoting these ideas.