Statement of Assistant USTR Wendy Culter on the Conclusion of the Second Round of Negotiations of the KORUS FTA, 07/14/2006...
"On pharmaceuticals, I'm sure you're aware that thing did not go as planned. First, let me make clear, the United States position is not to challenge the basic premise of Korea's national healthcare system nor are we trying to block reform. That is not our objective. We recognize Korea faces an aging population and rising health care costs - the United States and other countries around the world faces similar challenges. What we are saying is any reform should be transparent and fair, and not disproportionately target foreign pharmaceutical products.
"Going into these negotiations, we had agreed to establish a dedicated working group to discuss pharmaceutical trade issues. To our surprise, upon our arrival in Seoul, we were informed that Korea was going to switch to a positive list system for the reimbursement of pharmaceutical products before we had the opportunity to have meaningful negotiations on these issues.
"In our view, the decision to proceed with this plan is inconsistent with both the mandate of the Pharmaceutical Working Group and the market-opening spirit of the FTA. In short, Korea's decision precluded meaningful negotiations at this time. Therefore, in order to ensure continued balance in the overall negotiations, we felt that it was appropriate to suspend work in two additional groups: trade remedies and services.
"We believe that this was a balanced and measured response that appropriately reflected our level of concern.
"Clearly, our preference would have been for all the groups to have met this week as scheduled. But, under the circumstances, we were left with no choice.
"That said, while our differences in views in the pharmaceutical sector are challenging and difficult, they are not insurmountable. Ambassador Kim and I have agreed to continue to work together to get things back on track with respect to pharmaceuticals so as to allow for a productive third round during the week of September 4th.
"For our part, the United States continues to believe the FTA will generate significant commercial, economic, and strategic benefits for both our countries.
"We remain as convinced as ever that the KORUS FTA is the right path for the United States and Korea, both now and for the coming generations." ###