U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk said he hopes the U.S. Congress will approve legislation for the implementation of the free trade agreement with South Korea before the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in November.

When asked if the U.S. would experience difficulties if the legislation fails to pass before the APEC summit, Kirk replied that he is more optimistic than that.

However, he did not mention a concrete schedule and said the passage of the bill depends on how soon the White House and Congress reach agreement on the bill to extend Trade Adjustment Assistance.