Brussels, 21/01/2009 (Agence Europe) - After two days of negotiations in Seoul on 19-20 January, European Trade Commissioner Catherine Ashton and South Korean Trade Minister Kim Jong-hoon said significant progress had been made in their discussions on how to take forward negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA). Following the progress made by their ministers on the two most sensitive issues - motor cars and rules of origin, although no information was given - the EU and South Korea might be able to conclude an agreement at the start of March, after an eighth session of talks scheduled for Seoul. Before sending her negotiators, Ashton will have to be given the prior approval of member states, some of which, including Germany, are against granting too great concessions on motor cars. (E.H./transl.rt)