Senator Stevens hails Korea free-trade pact as good for Alaska

The US Secretary of Commerce says a potential free trade deal with South Korea could eventually benefit Alaska.  Secretary Carlos Gutierrez made his remarks during a visit to Fairbanks yesterday  with Senator Ted Stevens.  Gutierrez says a Free Trade Agreement before Congress could further open the doors with South Korea, Alaska’s third-largest trade partner.  But he says Congress can’t tackle that proposal until it works its way through a similar deal with Columbia that’s taking priority.  Gutierrez says eventually Alaska could send more goods to Asia.Libby Casey, KUAC - Fairbanks