KOTRA Leads Korean Auto Delegation To Georgia; Minister Kim Vows To Guard Trade Interests

The Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) announced on Monday that it sent an auto parts delegation to Georgia, United States. The visit aimed to help South Korean manufacturers find new investment opportunities amid growing US trade protection measures.

KOTRA organised a three-day visit with the Gyeonggi Province government, which started on Wednesday last week. The delegation visited Atlanta and Savannah, two key cities in Georgia’s auto industry growth.

Ten South Korean auto parts companies joined the program to explore potential business opportunities in the region. The schedule included investment seminars, meetings with Georgia state officials, and tours of local production facilities.

Delegates visited Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, which finished the construction in March this year. The plant represents Hyundai’s strong commitment to building a long-term presence in the southeastern US.

Georgia: A major centre

Georgia has become a major centre for Korean automakers like Hyundai Motor Co and Kia Corp. Their large-scale investments have attracted many Korean auto parts suppliers to follow them into the region.

One of the KOTRA officials said, “We will continue to work with both domestic and international partners to help resolve investment challenges and support our companies’ global expansion.”

Kim Jung-Kwan vows to protect South Korea’s interests in US tariff talks.

Industry Minister Kim Jung-Kwan said He will support Korean exports amid global trade uncertainty.

While heading to the office for Parliamentary confirmation hearing preparations, Kim Jung-Kwan said, “I want to be at the forefront of South Korea’s exports … and help the country overcome difficult times and turn a crisis into an opportunity.”

Kim said he will closely work with Trade Minister Yeo Han-Koo to secure a fair tariff deal with the US. He promised to prioritise national interests and said he fully understands the tough global challenges Korean companies face.

Kim served as the president of marketing at Doosan Enerbility, a major Korean power equipment builder, before his nomination.

Under his leadership, Doosan expanded its global nuclear energy business and won the Dukovany plant project in the Czech Republic. He played a key role in raising Korea’s profile in the global nuclear power market during his time at Doosan.

Kim now joins the Lee Jae Myung administration as the first industry minister, bringing experience from both the business and energy sectors. He expressed support for Lee’s campaign pledge to form a new ministry for climate and energy policies.

Kim said energy and industry are closely linked and should be managed together to create effective long-term strategies.

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