The high evaluation of blocking additional opening of rice and beef… Significant meaning in protecting farmers,
Kim Young-rok, Governor of Jeollanam-do. Provided by Jeollanam-do., Governor Kim Young-rok of Jeollanam-do expressed “great welcome with the residents” regarding the Lee Jae-myung administration’s settlement of the tariff negotiations with the US. On the 31st, Governor Kim announced on his social media, “The Korea-US tariff negotiations, which the people watched with bated breath, have been concluded,” emphasizing, “I particularly welcome the completion of the negotiations without additional opening of rice and beef.”,
Through this negotiation, the tariff rate on US imports was reduced from the existing 25% to 15%, a level similar to major countries such as the European Union (EU) and Japan. Governor Kim assessed, “Our Jeollanam-do agricultural and livestock products can now compete under more favorable conditions, and a major economic uncertainty has been resolved.”,
Governor Kim particularly noted the defense against key issues of public concern in this negotiation, such as the additional opening of rice and the expansion of imported American beef. He stated, “It will be a great relief to our farmers who are struggling with natural disasters like droughts, heavy rains, and heat waves,” and added, “I highly appreciate the efforts of the president and the negotiating team to protect the sovereignty and survival rights of the people.”,
He continued, “Together with two million residents of Jeollanam-do, I express deep gratitude,” and also hinted at follow-up measures at the provincial level.
In addition, Governor Kim expressed expectations about the creation of a 150 billion won fund dedicated to the shipbuilding industry, included in the Korea-US agreement, saying, “It will be a new opportunity for the Jeonnam shipbuilding industry.” Furthermore, he emphasized, “I will closely monitor the negotiation contents to minimize damages to certain industries such as steel, and will dedicate more efforts toward protecting regional industries and enhancing competitiveness.”