Source:  Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE, 6/8/11

Cargill announced on Tuesday it hosted an employee forum and a business roundtable discussion on the U.S. – South Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA), which is currently pending presidential notification to and approval from U.S. Congress.

The Honorable Ambassador Han Duk-soo met with Cargill employees to discuss the importance of an open trade and investment climate between South Korea and the United States.  He discussed how the KORUS FTA could stimulate economic growth between the two economies.

"I am here today to talk to local business leaders about the benefits the KORUS FTA will extend to them, and to ask the citizens of Minnesota to support its ratification,"  Ambassador Han said. "Korea and the United States share common objectives on trade and investment. U.S. investments and trade play a vital economic role in Korea, as do Korea's investments in and trade with the United States. Korea's consumers are an important driver of the U.S. economy. Two-way trade and investment are a win-win for the United States and South Korea."

Korea already has completed a free trade agreement with the European Union, and Korea's FTA negotiations with Canada are in the advanced stages.

Following the employee meeting, Cargill hosted a business roundtable discussion with leaders from General Mills, Land O' Lakes, Mosaic, Ecolab and Red Wing Shoes.

U.S. Congressman Erik Paulsen, as well as Mark Phillips, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, attended the Cargill meetings, which were part of a U.S. Chamber of Commerce visit to the Twin Cities.

"Cargill has enjoyed a rich history of doing business in Korea and we see our relationship with South Korea as critical from both an economic and agricultural industry standpoint," said Greg Page, Cargill Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.  "We encourage Congress to act now and pass this important agreement."

Cargill is invested in many businesses in the United States that export directly to South Korea, including Cargill Meat Solutions and its Grain and Oilseed Supply Chain unit.  In addition, Cargill Animal Nutrition has a significant presence in South Korea.

Cargill established its trading business in Korea in 1986, selling grains, food products, meats and raw materials.  In addition, Cargill Animal Nutrition established its feed business in Korea in 1987, working closely with its customers to enhance the competiveness of the Korean livestock industry.

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