U.S. President Barack Obama and South Korean President Lee Myung-bak exchange toasts during a State Dinner in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Oct. 13, 2011. The State Visit comes only a day after congress passed a free trade agreement with South Korea. UPI/Roger L. Wollenberg |
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ORION LAKE, Mich., Oct. 14 (UPI) -- U.S. President Obama and South Korean President Lee Myung-bak visited a General Motors Co. factory near Detroit Friday to tout their new free-trade agreement.
The U.S.-South Korea free-trade agreement won't take away jobs, but "it will create more jobs … and it will protect your jobs. This is the pledge I give to you today," Lee told an enthusiastic crowd at the General Motors Co. Orion Lake, Mich., plant where the subcompact Chevrolet Sonic is manufactured, receiving a standing ovation.
Lee, sporting a Detroit Lions baseball cap, said through an interpreter he was "deeply impressed" by the environmentally friendly facility and its technology that help produce "excellent cars."
"I am confident this factory is going to continue … making good cars," Lee said. "Your lives are going to be good."
"Soon, the Motor City is going to come back again," Lee said. "I have all the confidence in the world that you will do that."
Obama spoke of his decision to help bail out the auto industry early in his administration -- a move that drew much criticism -- noting that a lot of politicians said it wasn't worth the time or money.
"They should come here and say that to the workers here," Obama said. "Today I can stand here and say the investment paid off."
He called the free-trade agreement with South Korea a "win-win" for both countries because trade is basically balanced.
"They buy as much stuff from us as they sell to us," Obama said. "And that's how fair and free trade is supposed to be -- not a one-sided deal."
He said a lot of hard work was involved in developing the deal.
"But when all was said and done," Obama said, "President Lee and I walked away with a trade agreement that is a win-win for both countries."
Obama said it would create at least 70,000 U.S. jobs, increase exports and boost the economy.
Obama closed by thanking Lee, Congress and especially the people of Detroit for proving that, despite all the work that lies ahead, "this is a city where a great American industry is coming back to life."
