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US
businesses hope Lee will boost Korea as high-tech, green industry hub
AMCHAM chairman
describes new president as 'real visionary'
By Park Jae-hyuk, The
Korea Times - U.S. companies doing business here congratulated President Lee
Jae-myung on his election Wednesday, promising continuous support to enhance
Korea's long-term economic competitiveness through policies that promote a more
predictable and fair regulatory environment.
Expecting Lee's
leadership to reinforce Korea's role as a global hub for high-tech industries
and green development, the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM) said
in a statement that it will continue to serve as a trusted bridge to strengthen
the two countries' economic ties.
"On behalf of the
U.S. business community, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to
President Lee Jae-myung," AMCHAM Chairman James Kim said.
"His leadership
and vision come at a pivotal moment for Korea, and I'm truly excited about the
opportunity to work closely with him and his administration to further deepen
the U.S.-Korea economic partnership."
Recalling previous
meetings with Lee, the chairman also recognized the new president as a
"real visionary."
"I've
had the privilege of meeting President Lee many times over the years — from
working together on an important agreement to expand cloud infrastructure and
software for venture businesses in Seongnam City, to discussions with Alaska
Gov. Mike Dunleavy on LNG (liquefied natural gas) collaboration, to meetings
with the AMCHAM delegation on attracting more foreign investment to
Korea," Kim said.
"His
forward-thinking mindset, openness to innovation and steadfast commitment to
enhancing Korea's global competitiveness have always stood out. It has been
inspiring to see his leadership evolve over time, and I'm confident that under
his leadership, Korea will continue to lead globally in technology, innovation
and sustainable growth."
AMCHAM
also expressed hopes that the APEC summit scheduled for October in Gyeongju,
North Gyeongsang Province, will be a unique opportunity to elevate Korea's
global leadership and deepen bilateral economic ties with the U.S.
The
organization emphasized it will work closely with the new administration to
ensure that the event serves as a platform for advancing regional cooperation,
strengthening supply chain resilience and driving inclusive economic
prosperity.
Last
December, Lee reaffirmed his commitment to a strong economic relationship with
the U.S. when he met with the AMCHAM delegation following impeached former
President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law declaration.
"Consider
this moment of confusion an opportunity to invest in Korea or to buy at a low
price," the new president said at that time.
Back
then, AMCHAM reportedly asked for the reconsideration of bills considered
unfavorable to businesses.
While
the chamber has been carrying out a "Buy America" campaign to
encourage purchase of U.S. products in line with the Donald Trump
administration's trade policies, Lee remains cautious about signing a tariff
deal with Washington earlier than other countries.
