[Editorial] With new FTAs, we’re being played for suckers

Posted on : 2014-11-18 17:15 KST Modified on : 2019-10-19 20:29 KST

Now with New Zealand, following China, South Korea has just concluded negotiations for its fourteenth free trade agreement (FTA). The total number of countries now stands at 52. Seoul has been crowing about the big new additions to its “economic territories” - the countries where we can trade with low or no tariffs. But a look at the agreements themselves, and the ways they were negotiated, shows plenty of problems. Thanks to Seoul’s over-the-top secretiveness, even the representatives of the public in the National Assembly have been left bystanders in the process. It wouldn‘t be out of line to say we’re being played for suckers.

FTAs have the effect of putting the interests of different industries and groups at odds. They may have a positive effect on the national economy in the long run, but that’s not necessarily true for the short or medium terms. And the industries and groups that are losing competitiveness - most notably farmers and agriculture - can bear the biggest brunt of all. History has shown this time and time again, and that’s why the government needs to provide the public, and the groups that stand to be hurt the most, with timely updates on the negotiation process, while hearing what they have to say about it. If that’s not possible, then at the very least the National Assembly ought to do it.

That’s not how the South Korean government has played it. On Nov. 17 the Hankyoreh reported that the administration failed to comply fully with a request for data on the South Korea-New Zealand FTA from one of the National Assembly’s standing committee chiefs. Its excuse for not sharing details was that the negotiations were still going on. After some time had gone by, it did offer up some materials, but just barely: its response ran a couple hundred words and shared only the most obvious facts. If this is how they treat a National Assembly standing committee chairman, what information can we expect them to give the average lawmaker? Under the circumstances, there’s almost no chance for National Assembly members to share their thoughts on the negotiations as the Trade Treaty Procedure Act entitles them to.

It’s not like Seoul has no excuses at all. The administration may have legitimate concerns that details about ongoing negotiations could cause needless controversy and result in the talks breaking down. But even in that light, its behavior makes no sense. It’s been acting like the talks are its prerogative to decide, and the National Assembly and public just have to take what they get. That’s the wrong way to go about things. The administration needs to be aware that sharing some of the details on the negotiations, whatever controversy it may cause, can actually help its bargaining strength and benefit the national interest. Moreover, its first thought should always be to hear out the voices of the people who stand to suffer the most from an agreement, and to reflect their views in the negotiations. It’s the only way to counter the kind of social conflict that erupted after the South Korea-US FTA was signed.

Please direct questions or comments to [english@hani.co.kr]

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