Key dates in S. Korea-ASEAN free trade negotiations

JEJU ISLAND, South Korea, June 2 (Yonhap) -- South Korea and ASEAN member
countries will sign a free trade accord on investment Tuesday, capping years of
talks with the regional economic and political organization. The following is a
chronology of key events in the negotiations.

2003. 10 - South Korea, ASEAN leaders form expert group, agreed to start joint
research on comprehensive economic cooperation

2004. 11 - South Korea and ASEAN leaders announce they will launch negotiations
on free trade agreement

2005. 2 - South Korean ASEAN negotiators start first official talks on free trade
pact

2005. 12 - Leaders of South Korea and ASEAN sign framework agreement and deal on
dispute settlement

2006. 4 - South Korean and ASEAN negotiators reach free trade deal on merchandise

2006. 8 - South Korea and ASEAN sign free trade agreement on merchandise

2007. 6 - South Korea and ASEAN enact deals on framework agreement, dispute
settlement and merchandise trade

2007. 11 - South Korea and ASEAN sign free trade agreement on service

2009. 4 - S. Korea and ASEAN negotiators complete talks on free trade deal on
investment

2009. 5 - South Korea and ASEAN enact service-sector free trade deal

2009. 6 - S. Korea and ASEAN sign free trade deal on investment
kokobj@yna.co.kr
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