Hwang Gi-yeon, president of the Korea Export-Import Bank, has embarked on a series of visits to semiconductor companies in the Gwangju and Jeonnam regions to support the establishment of a semiconductor cluster in Honam.
The Export-Import Bank announced on September 3 that Hwang visited Amkor Technology Korea, a semiconductor packaging and testing company in Gwangju, and Jaewon Industry, a semiconductor chemical materials firm in Yeosu, on September 1 and 2.
This visit is part of ongoing regional outreach following the launch of the 'AX Special Program,' which aims to invest 22 trillion won in artificial intelligence (AI) transformation this year.
During his visits, Hwang expressed his commitment to expanding financial support for small and medium-sized enterprises in the AI and semiconductor sectors to enhance their global competitiveness. He emphasized the Export-Import Bank's proactive role in spreading the advanced industrial ecosystem beyond the capital region.
Hwang's first stop was Amkor Technology Korea, a company specializing in back-end semiconductor processes, including packaging and testing. With the rising demand for AI semiconductors, the company is considering additional investments in facilities, including the construction of new plants. Lee Jin-an, president of Amkor Technology Korea, explained the company's plans for facility investments in response to the growing demand for AI semiconductor packaging and testing, and requested financial support from the Export-Import Bank to foster the semiconductor ecosystem.
In response, Hwang stated, "We will strengthen essential customized financial support to ensure that the semiconductor ecosystem can achieve global competitiveness."
Next, Hwang visited Jaewon Industry, which produces advanced chemical materials, including high-purity solvents used in semiconductor extreme ultraviolet (EUV) processes and dispersions for secondary battery conductive materials. The company counts major clients such as Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, and Samsung SDI.
Shim Seong-won, president of Jaewon Industry, emphasized the necessity of large-scale preemptive investments in advanced strategic industries like semiconductors and secondary batteries, and requested strategic financial support from the Export-Import Bank. Hwang responded, "We will actively support preemptive investments to strengthen the competitiveness of the semiconductor ecosystem."
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.