2024.09.05
[HIT Forum] AMCHAM chief highlights Korea-US ties in shifting dynamics
By
Im Eun-byul, The Korea Herald - American Chamber of Commerce in Korea Chairman
and CEO James Kim on Thursday stressed the importance of maintaining strong
bilateral ties between South Korea and the US amid changing dynamics in global
interactions.
“As
we navigate this mega-election year globally, the importance of ‘business
diplomacy’ has never been more critical,” Kim said, delivering a congratulatory
speech at The Korea Herald HIT Forum held Thursday in central Seoul.
Kim,
who has taken on top posts at US companies’ units here such as GM Korea,
Microsoft Korea and Yahoo Korea, has been heading the US business lobby group
in Korea as CEO since 2017.
“The
US-Korea relations are at an all-time high. Both countries are key players in
global trade and innovation, and the outcomes of the upcoming US presidential
election may impact future economic strategies and international partnerships,”
he said.
In
recent years, more South Korean companies have upped their investments in the
US, focusing on strategic industries such as semiconductors, electric vehicle
batteries, and renewable energy. The US and China have been vying to take the
spot as the top export destination for South Korea.
“Korea,
with its cutting-edge technology and innovation in strategic industries, plays
a pivotal role as a key ally and partner to the US,” he said. “The country is
poised to play a significant role in the US government’s strategy for the
Indo-Pacific region and global supply chain restructuring going forward.”
“As
geopolitical dynamics evolve both regionally and globally, the US-Korea
alliance and economic partnership may grow deeper to tackle global challenges
more effectively.”
“AMCHAM is dedicated to working closely with both the US and Korean governments to foster a stable and favorable policy environment following this year’s elections,” he said. “Our goal is to ensure that our economic partnership continues to thrive amidst evolving global conditions.”
Source: https://news.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20240905050620&ACE_SEARCH=1