S. Korea, New Zealand to swap tariff concession lists before Sept.

SEOUL, June 12 (Yonhap) -- South Korea and New Zealand have agreed to exchange tariff concession lists before both sides hold their second round of free trade negotiations in September, officials here said Friday.

Negotiators from the two countries discussed key issues such as tariff
concessions, services and investment during a five-day round of negotiations that
ended earlier in the day.
The both sides agreed to hold their second round of free trade negotiations in
September this year, according to the officials.
Trade between the two countries reached U$1.95 billion in 2008, with New Zealand
being South Korea's 48th largest trading partner.
South Korea exported goods worth $825 million last year to the island nation, and
imported $1.12 billion worth of goods. Korea imports mainly beef and dairy goods
from New Zealand while exporting petroleum products and autos.
According to the state-run Korea Institute for International Economic Policy, a
free trade deal with New Zealand could boost South Korea's gross domestic product
by 0.08 percent annually.
Currently, South Korea has free trade agreements with Chile, Singapore and the
European Free Trade Association, as well as a partial pact with the Association
of Southeast Asian Nations.
South Korea concluded a free trade deal with the United States in June 2007, but
it is still awaiting legislative approval from both countries.
South Korea is also seeking similar trade deals with the European Union,
Australia, Canada, India and Mexico.