KITA Invites Tennessee Governor: "Requesting Attention to Visa Issues"

Yoon Jinshik:
"Hoping to Strengthen Supply Chain Cooperation with Tennessee"

Bill Lee, the Governor of Tennessee, visited Korea and held a meeting with representatives from the Korean trade industry. Tennessee is recognized as a key hub for global automobile manufacturing and is leading the transition to electric vehicles in North America.

The Korea International Trade Association announced that it held a trade industry meeting on the 23rd at the Grand Intercontinental Hotel in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, inviting Governor Bill Lee. The delegation included Stuart McWhorter, Lieutenant Governor and Commissioner of Economic and Community Development, Allen Borden, Deputy Commissioner of Economic and Community Development, and eight other members. On the Korean side, Yoon Jinshik, Chairman of the Korea International Trade Association, attended along with Oh Seoksong, Chairman of Meta Biomed, Song Hoguen, Chairman of YG-1, Choi Myungbae, Chairman of Exicon, Kim Dongwook, Executive Vice President of Hyundai Motor Company, as well as a total of 25 business representatives and association executives.

The Korea International Trade Association held a trade industry meeting on the 23rd at the Grand Intercontinental Hotel in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, inviting Governor Bill Lee. Attendees are taking a commemorative photo. Korea International Trade Association

Tennessee possesses some of the strongest manufacturing capabilities in the United States. Korean companies such as LG Electronics, Hyosung Heavy Industries, and Hankook Tire have actively expanded into the state. Tennessee also has a robust automotive value chain centered around three major automobile plants: Nissan, General Motors (GM), and Volkswagen. Recently, joint battery plants by Ford-SK On and GM-LG Energy Solution are being established, and LG Chem is constructing a cathode materials plant, prompting more small and medium-sized Korean companies to enter the market. According to the Tennessee state government, as of last year, 24 Korean companies had invested approximately 5.9 billion dollars, creating over 4,200 jobs.

At the event, representatives from companies operating in Tennessee, including Duk San Electera (secondary batteries), Aluko (aluminum), Unitech (industrial adhesives), and SL (automotive parts), attended and had direct discussions with key state officials.

Chairman Yoon Jinshik stated, "I hope that cooperation between Tennessee, a key production base for global automakers and a leader in North America's electric vehicle transition, and Korean companies will further strengthen supply chain collaboration in advanced industries between our two countries. I also ask for special attention and support regarding visa issues for our engineers to ensure smooth local expansion."

Governor Bill Lee said, "Korea is a core economic partner for Tennessee in advanced manufacturing sectors such as battery materials, cells, and finished vehicles. Korean companies have made significant contributions to Tennessee's economic growth and job creation, and the state government will continue to provide strong support to secure a competitive workforce and foster a business-friendly environment."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.