Former U.S. Rep. Bill Flores, left, and Chairman Kim Hoon of the Korea-China Entrepreneurs Association pose during a networking event in Seoul, Thursday. Courtesy of Korea-China Entrepreneurs Association
Former U.S. lawmakers emphasized the need for deeper Korea-U.S. industrial cooperation and stronger private sector partnerships, as businesses in both countries navigate shifting supply chains and rapidly evolving technologies.
Seven former U.S. Reps. — Jay Chang Joon Kim, Bill Flores, Steven Palazzo, Bart Gordon, Donna Edwards, Ron Kind and Frank Guinta — visited Seoul this week for a series of business and policy exchange events aimed at strengthening bilateral economic ties and supporting Korean companies’ expansion into the U.S. market.
The former lawmakers gathered with Korean business leaders and industry officials, including former Incheon Regional Tax Office Chief Park Soo-bok and former Tech University of Korea President Park Ghun-su, for a dinner event hosted by the Korea-China Entrepreneurs Association at a hotel in Gangnam District on Thursday.
Former U.S. Rep. Bill Flores, speaking on behalf of the delegation, said that what makes a healthy relationship is “a strong economy based on shared values, on trade and on the things that we share together to try to make the world a better place, a world of security.”
He added, “Today, we face the challenges with artificial intelligence, which is a huge opportunity for both societies, and with energy and power. And I think those are areas, by working together and collaborating, that we can win and be stronger (together).”
The event focused on building practical business networks to support Korean companies’ entry into the U.S. market, amid Washington’s push to expand investment in advanced technology industries.
Battery electrolyte maker Enchem unveiled a North American expansion strategy centered on its Georgia plant, aiming to boost local production capacity and strengthen its global supply chain.
“We will significantly scale up our local investments (in the United States), aiming to grow into a company that accounts for more than 70 percent of the U.S. market,” said Byun Eun-chang, Enchem's U.S. strategy general manager.
Industrial safety solutions provider Check Guard showcased its all-in-one industrial diagnostic tool UD1000 Smart Imager, while D-Tech Mobility outlined its VIP bus-based mobility offerings, along with its business strategies targeting overseas markets.
Source: Korea Times News
