The measures under consideration include scrapping the FTC's exclusive right to file complaints about technology thefts and allowing subcontractors to directly refer their fair trade cases to the investigation authorities.

The two sides also agreed to explore ways to strengthen subcontractors' hands in all processes of business deals with larger firms, including the negotiation of contract terms and the enforcement of the deals.

Also among the measures were those to encourage big companies to take their own steps to shun irregular transactions and to conduct regular biennial inspections of all business deals in the manufacturing sector and make their results public.

Regarding the firms that repeatedly contravene fair trade rules, the ruling bloc agreed to the idea of the FTC directly handling their violations rather than referring the case to a conflict settlement institution.

"Our party will actively support the fair trade measures that need legislation," said Kim Tae-nyeon, the ruling party's policy chief. "The party and government will do our best to establish a fair market order and ensure cooperation among conglomerates and SMEs." (Yonhap)