KCCI chief Chey seeks improved partnership between Korea-U.S. chambers

SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won speaks after being nominated as chairman of the Seoul Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the KCCI headquarters in Seoul on Feb. 23. / Yonhap

By Kim Hyun-bin

Newly appointed Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) Chairman Chey Tae-won sent a congratulatory letter, Wednesday, to the new U.S. Chamber of Commerce (USCC) CEO Suzanne Clark, who is scheduled to officially begin her new job on March 11.

Chey emphasized the importance of enhanced relations as the two countries have been close economic partners since the 1950s.

"Korea and the U.S. have been trusted allies and close economic partners for almost 70 years," Chey said, emphasizing that "the USCC and KCCI have been instrumental in maintaining such close links."

He also expressed hopes of seeing "the economic relationship between the two nations strengthen further under the new Biden administration and (Clark's) leadership."

Chairman Chey mentioned he was part of the economic delegation that accompanied President Moon Jae-in during his first visit to the U.S. four years ago. He communicated his hopes to visit the U.S. again with the Korean business community once the pandemic abates, and continue to foster Korea-U.S. relations and economic cooperation.

Chey was appointed chairman of the Seoul Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), Feb. 23. As it is customary for the chairman of the SCCI to head the KCCI, he will start his term as KCCI chairman March 24.

Kang Seog-gu, vice president of the KCCI International Trade Division, said, "The two major economic organizations in Korea and the U.S. are welcoming their new leaders at a similar time, which will hopefully strengthen the partnership between the economic leaders of each nation." He added, "The two chambers will pursue new agendas and cooperation projects in the post-pandemic era, based on a record of successful cooperation such as the KORUS FTA promotion efforts and the SME Innovation Forum."

Chey is the first among the nation's top four major conglomerate chiefs to lead the Seoul branch of the business chamber and will be serving an initial three-year term with an option of one reappointment. The SK chief will replace incumbent Park Yong-maan of Doosan Group, who has served in the post for more than seven years.

Apart from heading the KCCI, Chey also serves on many other boards including as the vice president of the Olympic Council of Asia, vice president of the Asian Handball Federation and president of the Korea Handball Federation.

Site Map E-paper Subscribe Register LogIn
Site Map E-paper Subscribe Register LogIn