"Asia is a paramount region for U.S. trade. South Korea and China account for more than 60 billion dollars in U.S. exports which have grown nearly 28 percent in the last year. South Korea and China are huge export markets for us, and there's plenty of room to grow," said Gutierrez.

"I'm looking forward to discussing with South Korean and Chinese officials how we can expand U.S. exports and level the playing field," he added.

According to the Commerce Ministry, Gutierrez will begin his six-day visit to Asia in Seoul, Korea, Dec. 11-13, and conclude his travels in Beijing, China, Dec. 13-15.

South Korea, the world's 11th-largest economy, is the Unites States'7th-largest trading partner and 7th-largest export market.Trade between the two countries in 2005 valued at approximately 72billion dollars.

Meanwhile, China is the United States' fastest-growing major export market, surging 35 percent this year. Total U.S. exports to China in 2005 were 41 billion dollars, an increase of 19 percent over 2004, said the ministry.

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