South Korean Prime Minister Han Seung-sook emphasized on September 11 that the country does not discriminate against companies based on nationality while expressing a commitment to seek economic cooperation with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (AmCham).
During a meeting at the Shilla Hotel in central Seoul, attended by around 200 representatives from foreign companies, including U.S. businesses, Han discussed ways to enhance economic collaboration between South Korea and the United States and listened to the concerns of American companies.
Han noted that the direction of South Korea-U.S. economic cooperation is moving towards a closer partnership in areas such as artificial intelligence, advanced technology, supply chains, energy, and strategic investments. She pledged that the government would support companies in making bolder investments, fostering innovation, and achieving greater success in South Korea.
In a discussion with AmCham Chairman James Kim, Han addressed concerns regarding potential discrimination against U.S. companies in trade and investment environments, stating, "South Korea does not discriminate against companies based on nationality," and committed to ongoing communication with the U.S. industry and AmCham to actively resolve issues.
Regarding inquiries about strategic investments between the two countries, she responded that it is essential to maintain commercial rationality while ensuring tangible benefits for both nations, emphasizing the importance of creating a successful model from the first project.
Han also encouraged AmCham members, many of whom possess proven capabilities in the global market, to actively identify and propose projects that both South Korean and U.S. companies can participate in together.
Following the discussion, Han had lunch with representatives from major companies to hear about the challenges they face in operating in South Korea and to discuss regulatory rationalization and institutional improvements to support long-term investment and innovation.
In the aviation and tourism sectors, there were suggestions to improve regulations that hinder attracting foreign tourists, given the growing global interest in South Korea. The biopharmaceutical industry requested fair and prompt evaluations and support for the market launch of innovative new drugs. The AI and semiconductor sectors discussed challenges in talent acquisition, rapid approvals for new technology development, strengthening security systems, and expediting manufacturing AI, agreeing on the importance of public-private cooperation to address these issues.
In response, Han stated, "We will continue to listen to voices from the field and examine regulations that do not align with the changing times across various sectors, coordinating well between domestic and foreign companies and the government." The government plans to continue supporting the development of economic cooperation between South Korea and the U.S., maintaining communication with American companies and fostering an environment for increased foreign investment.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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