South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Monday has called joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) “unavoidable” for a trade-dependent country, while stating that a final deal would almost certainly not be reached before his term ends in June 2030. All 12 members must approve a new entrant and negotiations take too long, Lee told about 110 farm, fisheries, livestock and forestry representatives at the Blue House, according to a pool report. He said Seoul should still push ahead despite criticism at home.

His latest remarks follow his Oct. 8 ordernot to apply this year,