Lee calls for resumption of FTA negotiations with Mexico to elevate economic cooperation

MEXICO CITY — Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Friday called for a swift resumption of negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) between South Korea and Mexico, saying it will further elevate bilateral economic cooperation that he said is already contributing significantly to the Mexican economy and job creation. The president made the call during a Korea-Mexico business forum in Mexico City, where he is currently on a state visit. "Mexico is South Korea's largest trading partner in Central and South America. For Mexico, Korea is the fifth-largest trading partner with bilateral trade reaching $20.6 billion last year," the president pointed out. "Despite this brilliant outcome, the two economies have yet to have a comprehensive trade agreement," the president noted. The president stressed that amid growing uncertainties in the global trade environment, there is a need to strengthen the institutional framework to help companies pursue business opportunities with greater certainty. "Given the mutually complementary structures of the two economies, a trade agreement between Korea and M