Bank of Korea(BOK) Gov. Rhee Chang-yong, who met with Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol on Thursday, said Seoul’s trade agreement with Washington eased the central bank’s burden regarding its next decision on the key interest rate.

Assessing the trade deal to be in the country’s favor, the BOK chief thanked the minister for achieving a beneficial outcome despite difficulties.

Koo, for his part, sought the central bank’s support in terms of state finances, taxation and personnel, as the government draws up specific economic policy measures.

Regarding the four-way macroeconomic meetings that were held under the previous government among the finance minister, the BOK chief, and the heads of the Financial Services Commission and the Financial Supervisory Service, Koo said he intends to bolster communication.