Video: South Korean Ambassador Han touts KORUS FTA in Peoria visit - Central Illinois Proud (WMBD-TV 31)

August 16, 2010

PEORIA -- The Ambassador to the Republic of Korea is in Peoria tonight, speaking out about the benefits of increased trade relations. Ambassador Han Duk-soo toured Caterpillar this morning and later spoke at a Chamber of Commerce event. He says a potential free-trade agreement between the US and Korea could create 70,000 new American jobs.

The Ambassador says Korea is one of the ten largest economies in the world. Caterpillar officials say past free-trade agreements with other countries have doubled or tripled their exports. The Ambassador expects a deal to be reached by the beginning of the next political term. He's already visited other states as part of a "Growing Jobs Across America" tour.