1. The ratification motion on agreements made in rice negotiation (“Ratification motion on the partial 
amendment of the concession timetable of the Republic of Korea in the Marrakesh Agreement on the 1994 
General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade in Annex 1 of the Marrakesh Agreement that established the World 
Trade Organization”) was passed by the National Assembly on November 23. 

* Of 223 lawmakers who cast their ballots, 130 voted in favor and 61 voted against the motion. 23 
abstained. 

2. The government plans to give notification of the results to the WTO as soon as it receives the ratification 
motion from the National Assembly. Under the bill, an additional 10-year grace period for fully opening the 
domestic rice market will officially come in effect. 

3. Setbacks in the ratification process had raised concerns from some negotiation partners in regards to a 
delay in the implementation of the trade deals of the rice negotiations. Recognizing such concerns, the 
government plans to proceed expeditiously to implement the agreements to avoid causing trade conflicts 
with the major negotiating partners. 

4. The government plans to make efforts to secure international competitiveness and expand national 
autonomy within the next 10 years of grace period before the opening of their rice market. In addition, it 
plans to focus negotiation efforts to secure flexibility for domestic sensitive products at the DDA agriculture 
negotiations which are being conducted under tense circumstances. 



                                                       Spokesperson of MOFAT

* unofficial translation