At a news conference in Seoul, the South Korean minister for trade announces that a controversial free trade deal with the United States will go ahead on March 15. 　　Park Tae-Ho, South Korean Minister For Trade: "As you well know, our trade with Europe has been hit hard because of the recent financial crisis there. 　　Coming at a time such as this, the U.S. free trade agreement is a positive opportunity for our exports to the United States, which is the world's largest developed market, to grow significantly." The pact was signed nearly five years ago, but has faced tough resistance from trade and farm lobbies in both countries, and may yet face further hurdles in South Korea, where the opposition has said it will try to repeal the act. 　　Park Tae-Ho, South Korean Minister For Trade: "The deal was initiated in February of 2006 and signed on July 30, 2007. The outcome of the additional negotiation on February 11, 2011 was also signed, so finally the deal is officially taking effect on March 15." Although the left-leaning opposition initiated the agreement when in power, they now oppose it because they believe legislative changes will strip Seoul of any ability to defend its interests. (Nick Rowlands/ Reuters)