Governor Kemp builds Korean business partnerships in first international mission
At the end of June, Governor Brian Kemp traveled with Georgia Department of Economic Development leadership that included (GDEcD) Commissioner Pat Wilson and Chief Operating Officer Bert Brantley to South Korea for an economic development mission, the governor’s first international trip since taking office. Korea represents one of Georgia’s most valuable foreign investors. In the past 12 months alone, Korean companies have invested over $2 billion in the state.
While in Korea, Governor Kemp and representatives from the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) visited with Korean companies with operations in Georgia, including the recently announced SK innovation, Kia, Sangsin Brake, and Hanwha Q Cells, as well as Korean companies considering investing in Georgia.
In addition to private companies, the Governor also met with His Excellency Lee Nak-yon, Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea; U.S. Ambassador to Korea, The Honorable Harry Harris; and other Korean government officials to discuss relations between Georgia and South Korea.
On the first day of the trip, the Governor traveled by high-speed train from Seoul to Daegu to meet executives at Sangsin Brake and tour their facility. Governor Kemp thanked them for their investment in Henry County, where they have plans to open a $20 million plant, employing 200 people. The following day, the Governor had lunch with executives from Hanwha Q CELL. Hanwha recently invested $150 million in a solar module manufacturing facility in Whitfield County, creating more than 500 jobs. On his third day in Korea, Governor Kemp toured the Hyundai Kia Namyang Technology Research Center and thanked executives from Georgia’s long-standing partner, Kia Motors. Their manufacturing site in West Point produces 340,000 cars a year and is home to the Telluride SUV, the Sorento SUV, and the Optima mid-sized sedan.
The last day, Governor Kemp traveled to Seosan, where the Georgia delegation toured SK innovation’s facility there. SK innovation announced a new manufacturing plant for the production of electric vehicle batteries in Jackson County, Georgia on November 26, 2018. The company’s initial commitment is for a 2 million square foot facility employing 2,032. Capital investment will total $1.6 billion, and production should begin in early 2021. The chance to show support for the continued investment these companies offer, and to thank them for putting Georgians to work is an important aspect of the growing economic development opportunities between South Korea and Georgia.
Members of the Georgia delegation also attended the Korea Importers Association (KOIMA) trade show. This event presented an opportunity to advocate for Georgia exports and find new markets for Georgia products. Mary Waters, Deputy Commissioner for International Trade, signed a memorandum of agreement (MOU) to solidify these new opportunities for Georgia’s small businesses.
Overall, the Governor took advantage of his first international mission to thank Korean companies, attract new business, and encourage economic development in Georgia. His meetings with executives and government officials deepen the valuable relationships that have been cultivated in South Korea and have proved so fruitful to hardworking Georgians.