Washington, D.C., February 2, 2006 — Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) President and CEO Dave McCurdy issued the following statement in reaction to the announcement today by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) that the USTR will formally initiate talks as part of a U.S.–Republic of Korea Free Trade Agreement:

"The Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) commends the Bush Administration and Ambassador Portman for beginning the process necessary to create a new trade agreement in the Far East — the U.S.-Republic of Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Launching these talks with an economic partner and ally such as South Korea can help the U.S. high-tech industry and other businesses expand the $73 billion trading market there.

"EIA has long supported increased market access via free trade, and the U.S.-Republic of Korea FTA has the potential to become the biggest trade agreement in 15 years. The FTA would provide economic benefits by opening a key market for U.S. goods in the country that is currently America's 3rd-largest trading partner in Asia.

"We offer our leadership on behalf of the U.S. high-tech industry to Ambassador Portman's efforts and are eager to work with the Bush Administration and the U.S. Trade Representative to realize open markets and free trade in South Korea."

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About EIA: The Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) is the leading advocate in Washington, D.C., for the U.S. high-tech industry. The Alliance, which traces its origins to the Radio Manufacturers Association (chartered in 1924), is a partnership of electronic and high-tech associations and companies whose mission is to promote the market development and competitiveness of the $400 billion U.S. high-tech and electronics industries through domestic and international policy efforts. EIA's corporate members - nearly 1,300 - provide products and services ranging from microscopic electronic components to state-of-the-art defense, space and industry high-tech systems, as well as the full range of telecommunications and consumer electronics products. Headquartered in Arlington, Va., the Alliance is made up of the Electronic Components, Assemblies & Materials Association (ECA); the Government Electronics & Information Technology Association (GEIA); JEDEC; the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA); and leading consumer electronics companies who participate in EIA's Environmental Issues Council. EIA is also heavily involved in cyber security issues through the Internet Security Alliance (ISAlliance), and education issues, through the National Science & Technology Education Partnership (NSTEP).