Korea, Central America hold FTA talks

Korea and six Central American nations began another round of negotiations for a free trade agreement on Monday.

Talks with Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama last until Friday and focus on products, customs, and investment.

Seoul is seeking new markets for its competitive industries such as cars and textiles, while promoting the liberalization of services and investment.

The six countries make up the fifth-largest market in Central and South America in terms of combined GDP.

Trade volume with Korea has nearly doubled in the past ten years, reaching US$4.1 billion in 2015.

(THE CHOSUNILBO)