U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab says she hopes the U.S.-South Korea free trade talks will be concluded by early next year.

Schwab told reporters in Washington Friday that the U.S. prefers to have its free trade agreements (FTA) with other countries, including Korea, concluded in time to take advantage of the current Trade Promotion Authority which expires at the end of June next year.

She cited that there is uncertainty about the Trade Promotion Authority which requires the U.S. Congress to either vote for or against trade agreements without seeking amendments.

Schwab also said that if Washington and Seoul have an FTA agreement that is clearly in the mutual interest of both partners, the accord has a good chance of being passed in Congress.

Schwab spoke to reporters as she is set to head for Vietnam next week for the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting.

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