한미재계회의 합의문

[발표문] 2008-10-31 | 홍보실

Joint Statement of the Twenty-first Annual Plenary Session of the Korea-U.S./U.S.-Korea Business Councils

The Korea-U.S. Business Council, led by its chairman, S. R. Cho, and the U.S.-Korea Business Council, led by its chairman, William R. Rhodes, met in Seoul, Korea, on October 30 and 31, 2008, to discuss matters of current interest to the business communities of Korea and the United States. They endorsed the commitments of the Korean and U.S. governments to strengthen bilateral political and economic relations and to expand their cooperation on regional and global issues.

Korean Government's Policy Goals - The councils welcomed the commitment of President Lee Myung-bak and his government to creating a business environment that will encourage productive investments by Korean and foreign firms and stimulate economic growth. They also welcomed the close engagement of Korea's Presidential Council on National Competitiveness with foreign investors and the inclusion of U.S. and other investors in this body. The councils agreed to prepare and submit jointly a paper of recommendations to the Korean government for enhancing Korea's global competitiveness.

Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement - The councils agreed on the importance of ratification of the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by the Korean National Assembly and the United States Congress. Members noted that the implementation of the FTA will not only expand bilateral trade and economic ties between Korea and the United States, but will also forestall protectionist tendencies that emerge in both countries. In this regard, the members of the councils took note of political conditions in Korea and the United States surrounding the FTA and recommitted themselves to working energetically for legislative approval of the agreement in both countries.

Global Financial Markets Crisis/Economic Slowdown - The councils agreed that the top priority on everyone's business agenda was joint cooperative action among the governments of the world's major economies, multilateral institutions, industry associations and the private sector in taking prompt, effective and coordinated action to address the current situation. They agreed that it is imperative that stability be re-established in key financial markets and not be allowed to undermine the global financial system.

The councils welcomed the news of the U.S. Federal Reserve-Bank of Korea currency swap agreement and the positive effects that this will have for restoring stability in Korea's financial markets. They also welcomed the Korean government's participation in the November 15 G-20 meeting in Washington and its active involvement in the management of the international financial system.

Furthermore, it was agreed that countries institute measures to restore strong economic growth as soon as possible. The councils' members concurred in the importance of supporting free trade and open markets during this period and of the need to avoid protectionist actions. Members also agreed to encourage their business communities to view the current problems as opportunities to increase economic integration, capitalize on attractive investments and collaborate on the development of new era industries.

Intellectual Property Rights - Members of the two councils held a business forum on October 30 to discuss the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights (IPR) and areas of cooperation for strengthening IPR. Members welcomed the recent agreements of cooperation between the Korea Intellectual Property Office and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, which they expect to expedite the process of patent examination and enhance its quality. Members reviewed progress in building increased understanding in Korea and elsewhere in the world of the importance of intellectual property protection and valuing innovation, and they agreed to increase their cooperation in protecting intellectual property.

Financial Services Discussion - Members of the two councils also held a working group meeting on October 30 to discuss the status of ongoing regulatory reform of the financial services sector in Korea and the policies and initiatives of the Lee Myung-bak administration in this sector. The councils' members agreed it is important that Korea's government, including regulators, continue with prudent deregulation and the improvement of regulatory transparency in the financial services sector. These measures would enhance Korea's competitiveness in the financial area and encourage inflows of foreign direct investment. The councils' members reviewed financial conditions in the United States and the legislation and policies in response to those conditions. Members also considered the implications of the U.S. financial and economic situation for markets outside the United States.

Energy - Members of the two councils recognized the central importance of energy security to economic growth and prosperity to Korea, the United States and other countries around the world. They noted with approval the importance that President Lee and his government have placed on securing a stable flow of energy resources from diverse sources and President Lee's proposed "low carbon, green growth" initiative. Members discussed the outlook for efficiency gains in the distribution and use of energy resources in Korea, and reviewed trends in energy supply and demand in the United States and elsewhere in the Asia-Pacific region. Members agreed to consider energy policy questions in future joint council meetings. Members also noted the bilateral consultations on energy policy between the Korean and U.S. governments launched last year and agreed to encourage their respective governments to establish a constructive role for the business community in the dialogue.

Labor - Members of the two councils discussed the need for continued and sustained improvement of labor market flexibility and in realigning labor-management relations in Korea, in order for Korea to fully realize its potential as a regional economic leader and attract increased local and foreign investment. The councils welcomed the Korean government's stated intention to work for improvements in labor-management relations in Korea.

U.S. Visa Waiver Program - Members of the two councils welcomed the recent announcement by the U.S. government that it will include Korea in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program before the end of November. Both councils' members firmly believe that Korea's participation in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program will increase the number of Korean visitors to the United States, and in doing so will facilitate broader business, educational, and cultural exchanges that will foster greater mutual understanding between the people of both countries.

S.R. Cho                                           William R. Rhodes
Chairman                                          Chairman
Korea-U.S. Business Council               U.S.-Korea Business Council

첨부 : 협의문(국문).doc