The assistant U.S. trade representative for Japan, Korea and APEC Affairs has expressed hope that South Korea’s National Assembly will swiftly approve the Korea-U.S. free trade agreement (FTA).

Wendy Cutler spoke during a forum in Washington organized by the Korea Economic Institute of America on Tuesday, saying despite the approval of the trade pact by U.S. Congress last week, various efforts need to be taken for the trade deal to take effect.

Cutler said once South Korea ratifies the FTA, South Korea and the U.S. would begin consultations on enhancing regulations as part of preparations to put the deal into effect. She said the U.S. will consult with South Korea for the pact's swift ratification in the National Assembly.

The trade official said that by Congress approving the trade accord, last week was a week the U.S. regained trust as a strong trade partner in Asia and demonstrated that it can again lead trade issues.