The American Chamber of Commerce in Korea hosted a private roundtable with US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau on Sunday. The discussion centered on advancing economic cooperation between the United States and South Korea. Senior executives from both countries attended the event at the Grand Hyatt Seoul. They gathered to exchange perspectives on trade, investment, and strategies for future growth. This meeting underscored the importance of close collaboration for lasting regional prosperity.
James Kim, chair and CEO of AmCham Korea, welcomed Landau and praised his leadership in strengthening bilateral relations. He highlighted that AmCham initiatives align with Washington’s goals, including programs designed to expand access for US goods and services. Kim also emphasized the value of ongoing dialogue to build trust and broaden opportunities in both markets. He explained that such meetings encourage solutions that serve companies and policymakers alike. Consequently, Kim reaffirmed AmCham’s role as a bridge between governments and the private sector.
Industry leaders from automotives, airlines, health care, ICT, digital services, and steel joined the discussion. They offered opinions on Korea’s regulatory framework and urged reforms to attract more multinational headquarters. Executives noted that Korea hosts fewer than 100 regional headquarters, well below numbers in other Asian economies. They therefore encouraged policymakers to simplify regulations and increase transparency to draw international investment. Participants agreed that modernized policies could enhance Korea’s position as a competitive global business hub.
Participants also reviewed the outlook for talks after the recent summit between President Donald Trump and President Lee Jae Myung. They voiced concerns about labor mobility, citing recent immigration inspections at Korean manufacturing plants in Georgia. Attendees highlighted the importance of policies that protect workers while supporting international business operations. They argued that predictable rules regarding labor flows are critical for stable supply chains. Moreover, they stressed that secure and skilled workforces remain vital to continued economic cooperation.
Landau reaffirmed Washington’s dedication to advancing a strong and mutually beneficial economic cooperation agenda. He emphasized shared objectives such as reducing nontariff barriers and improving Korea’s appeal as an investment destination. Landau also explained that reliable trade relations encourage innovation and generate quality jobs in both nations. Experts predict future discussions will focus on green technology, supply chain security, and expanding digital services. As a result, analysts expect deeper collaboration to emerge from these high-level engagements.
Looking ahead, AmCham plans to organize more industry forums to maintain progress from this meeting. The chamber pledged to keep connecting business leaders with government officials on both sides. Business groups foresee steady growth as policies evolve to support trade and investment. They expect these efforts to create opportunities in manufacturing, advanced technology, and sustainable industries. Consequently, the roundtable marked an important milestone in strengthening US-Korea economic cooperation.
