Gov. Brian Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp are headed to South Korea. The state has seen a lot of success in recruiting Korean companies to either locate or expand here and the trip is both an effort to express some gratitude and to reinforce the economic development partnerships that have led to this success.
Some 100 facilities of Korean companies are in Georgia, with approximately 10,000 Georgians employed. The country is now the state’s third largest importer nation, behind China and Mexico – and it could vault into second place soon. Products from Korea are generally of the high value variety, including passenger vehicles, fork lifts, auto parts and chemical binding agents. It is getting hard to keep track but the two biggest single economic development projects in the state are likely both Korean companies, the sprawling SK Innovation plan in Jackson County and the Hyundai electric vehicle and battery plant in Bryan County. Last year alone, Korean companies announced more than $10 billion in investments and will more than double the employees across the state when these facilities open.
“The Republic of Korea was the very first country I visited when I became governor for a good reason – because of the incredible partners located there,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “Marty and I are glad to return so that we can reinforce those great friendships that are bringing historic investments and jobs to communities all across the state. Georgia’s connections to Korea goes back decades, and this trip will further strengthen those relationships that are having a generational impact on the No. 1 state for business.”
Besides the state’s First Couple, a number of other officials, including President Pro Tem John Kennedy, Representative Soo Hong, Representative Lehman Franklin, and representatives from the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), Georgia Environmental Protection Division, and Georgia Ports Authority will also be making the trip. They will be meeting with Hyundai, SK, Kia and the LG Group among others.
“Connectivity leads to business, and relationships build the foundations of mutual progress,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Meeting with the leadership of existing industries at their headquarters provides a unique opportunity to learn more about their perspective on an industry and where it is headed. By keeping the lines of communication open, we can stay ahead of the curve in industry shifts, positioning Georgia at the forefront of new opportunities.”
Georgia has had an office in Korea since 1985, and Korea has had its southeast consulate in Georgia since 1976. The Korea Southeast U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Korean American Coalition are both located in Atlanta. Total trade last year between Georgia and Korea amounted to nearly $16 billion, almost 10 percent of the state’s total trade. The partnership already ran deep but last year’s increases were unprecedented.
For the Georgia-Korea Country Connection sheet from the Georgia Department of Economic Development, click here.
