Park Jae-hyuk is a seasoned journalist who has provided comprehensive coverage of South Korea's corporate dynamics, economic policies, industry challenges and the global positioning of Korean companies. Based on the articles he has written since joining The Korea Times in 2016, his investigative approach has helped readers understand corporate governance, economic trends and business strategies shaping South Korea’s economy.
Korean firms urged to harness APEC gains for US market expansion
James Heller, deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, speaks during the Doing Business in the U.S. Seminar at Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Seoul, Thursday. Yonhap
By Park Jae-hyuk
Experts warn of remaining challenges in global trade environment
The positive momentum generated by the recent Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) events in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, has been cited as a key opportunity for Korean companies looking to enter or expand their presence in the U.S. market.
At Thursday’s Doing Business in the U.S. Seminar, co-hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM) and Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), AMCHAM Chairman James Kim highlighted the importance of building on that strength. He referred to the Seoul-Washington joint fact sheet released last week as a further milestone in the countries’ deepening economic partnership.
“Korea’s leadership at the APEC summit demonstrated what our two countries can achieve when we work together,” he said. “Today’s seminar builds on that momentum by helping Korean companies prepare for the next wave of opportunities in the U.S. market.”
Now in its seventh year, the seminar attracted heightened attention, especially in light of fast-changing trade dynamics and uncertain U.S. policies.
“Global uncertainty continues to grow as protectionism spreads, industrial policies evolve and supply chains shift,” said KCCI Executive Vice President Park Dong-min.
He described the joint fact sheet as a meaningful milestone that enhances Korean companies’ credibility and expands their opportunities in the U.S. market.
“Last week’s Korea-U.S. joint fact sheet sends a clear message of both countries’ intent to strengthen cooperation in strategic sectors such as shipbuilding, semiconductors, space and artificial intelligence,” he said. “Today’s seminar is especially valuable because it provides practical guidance in areas where companies face the greatest challenges.”
Korean business leaders listen to U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks during the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation CEO Summit in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, Oct. 29. Courtesy of Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry
James Heller, deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, emphasized the strength of the economic partnership and reaffirmed the embassy’s commitment to working closely with Korean investors in the U.S. to ensure their ongoing success.
“President Trump’s recent visit to Gyeongju was a landmark success, marking the start of a new chapter in our alliance,” he said.
Despite the positive outlook, experts at the seminar cautioned that challenges remain.
“Following the conclusion of bilateral negotiations at the APEC summit, some uncertainties surrounding Korea-U.S. economic relations appear to have eased,” said Kim Jong-duk, executive director at the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy. “However, because U.S. external economic policy is closely tied to structural challenges such as weakened manufacturing competitiveness, widening income inequality and strategic competition with China, significant shifts are unlikely in the near term.”
Kim advised Korean firms to reassess their U.S. strategies while also seeking opportunities in traditionally overlooked markets.
Jung Man-suk, lawyer at Daeyang Immigration Law Group, stressed the importance of choosing the correct visa category for sending employees to the U.S.
“For Korean companies seeking successful U.S. market entry and smooth personnel deployment, choosing the right visa category is absolutely essential,” he said. “The scope of permissible activities — and even the likelihood of approval — varies substantially depending on the visa type. A thorough understanding of these distinctions is crucial.”