After a nearly three years of negotiations, South Korea has officially signed its free trade agreement with five central American countries.
Seoul's trade minister Kim Hyun-jong says the trade pact with Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama will help create a comprehensive, strategic partnership with Central American nations.
South Korea is the first Asian country to sign a trade deal with Central America.
It's expected to boost two-way exchanges in goods and services and help South Korean companies advance into the region.
The deal will go into force after the National Assembly approves it.