President Lee: “Even If You’re Frustrated About the CPTPP, It Cannot Be Avoided”

[Financial News] President Lee Jae-myung said on the 26th, regarding South Korea’s bid to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), “It is far more likely that a final agreement will not be reached during my term,” but added, “For the country as a whole, we have to get it done, even if we face some criticism, so we can move on to the next stage.” He stressed, however, “I have instructed that we not apply to join this year and instead communicate fully before deciding on a direction.” This is seen as reaffirming the government’s position that it will not apply to join the CPTPP immediately, while signaling that necessary steps must still be taken in the country’s long-term interests.
Speaking about joining the CPTPP at “Conversation with Farmers and Fishers,” held that day at the guesthouse at Cheong Wa Dae, President Lee said, “Submitting an application to join doesn’t mean it will be approved. In fact, what is the easiest choice for a politician? It would be best not to do anything like this at all.”
He went on to stress, “You may feel frustrated, but it can’t be avoided,” and “For the country as a whole, we can’t simply not do it. But if we are going to go ahead, we need to focus on what compensatory measures to take.” Noting that negotiations to join the CPTPP would take considerable time, he said, “I don’t know if it will happen during my term,” and joked, “Don’t worry, I won’t seek another term.”
About 110 farmers and fishers attended the event, which was livestreamed. It was the first meeting between the president and farmers’ and fishers’ groups in eight years, since 2018.
President Lee said, “From the perspective of the South Korean community, we are, so to speak, an open trading nation that depends on exports and trade, so it is very important to expand global export markets, which are called our economic territory.” He added, “For example, we cannot live on semiconductors alone, but on the other hand, neither can we live on agriculture alone.”
President Lee made clear that, in pursuing trade policies including CPTPP membership, the farming and fishing sectors must not be forced to make one-sided sacrifices. He said, “My view remains unchanged: primary industries should not be approached in terms of comparative advantage, but as security and strategic industries essential to the survival of the Republic of Korea.”
He also stressed the need to compensate for harm resulting from the implementation of policies. President Lee said, “If people make special sacrifices for the sake of everyone, it is only right that they receive sufficient compensation—more than commensurate with those sacrifices. That is the basic premise.” He added, “I believe we must no longer impose losses and harm unilaterally on people because they lack power or are small in number.” He also said, “I believe direct support for farm households should be increased,” and explained, “I recognize that elevating public-benefit direct payments to a national-level priority is a clear government task.” He also suggested considering a levy on export industries that benefit from CPTPP membership.

President Lee said, “We will do our utmost to ensure that agriculture, fisheries, forestry and livestock farming do not suffer unforeseen harm,” adding, “We will discuss and debate as much as possible, show respect, make adjustments, consult and seek agreement. But in the end, there will be areas where we cannot reach agreement. Ultimately, someone with the authority will have to take responsibility, make a decision and bear all the responsibility that comes with it.”
He added, “It’s best if we can reach an agreement, but if we can’t, someone will have to make a decision on the final remaining issue and will inevitably face criticism from everyone. I think that is also my role.”
On concerns about Japanese seafood, he said, “When Japanese seafood comes up, I feel my breath catch in my throat. This is an issue of great interest to the public and a considerable practical obstacle.” He added, “We need to discuss how to minimize harm to the fisheries sector and how to make up for any harm that does occur, and carefully examine the details.”
Regarding the comprehensive survey of farmland, President Lee also stressed, “There are misunderstandings and concerns, regardless of the government’s original intent with this policy,” and said, “We are not trying to take away farmland or impose penalties.” He continued, “You reported that you were going to farm the land and bought it; we’re going to check whether you’re using it properly,” adding, “You don’t need to worry that we’re going to take your land.”
[email protected] Choi Jong-geun and Seong Seok-woo Reporter