SEOUL – On July 11, 2024, the United States and the Republic of Korea (South Korea) (collectively, the Parties) convened the fourth meeting of the of the Environmental Affairs Council (EAC) under the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS) and the fourth meeting of the Environmental Cooperation Commission (ECC) under the United States-Korea Agreement on Environmental Cooperation (ECA). The Parties also held a public session for both the EAC and ECC.
The EAC, chaired by Assistant United States Trade Representative for Environment and Natural Resources Kelly Milton, reviewed the progress made by South Korea and the United States in ensuring implementation of the obligations in the Environment Chapter of the KORUS, including efforts to increase levels of environmental protection and to effectively enforce respective environmental laws. The Parties also discussed opportunities provided within their respective systems for public engagement and participation. The ECC, chaired by Department of State Acting Assistant Secretary Jennifer Littlejohn, discussed future environmental cooperation under the 2023-2026 Work Program, which establishes a robust list of priorities for cooperative activities between the Parties.
Throughout the EAC and ECC, the United States and South Korea exchanged views, strategies, and priorities regarding addressing the climate crisis, including through trade policies; tackling illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing; making progress toward entry into force of the World Trade Organization Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies and finalizing the continued negotiations; promoting circular economy approaches, including reducing plastic pollution; and addressing air and water pollution.
The EAC and ECC held a public session on July 12th, which included participants from civil society. The public session reflected both countries’ commitment to maintaining an open dialogue and participatory process for inclusive trade and environment policy. During the public session, the Parties provided updates regarding respective implementation efforts of the KORUS Environment Chapter and ongoing and future environmental cooperation under the ECA. The session provided an opportunity for members of the public to offer comments and ask questions of the Parties regarding KORUS implementation and future environmental cooperation.
The Joint Communique is available here.
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