US ambassador urges Korea to play role in shaping rules-based order in Indo-Pacific
Participants in the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM) Digital Innovation Forum 2022 pose at Grand Hyatt Seoul, Friday. First row fourth from left are U.S. Ambassador to Korea Philip Goldberg, Rep. Jung Chung-rae, AMCHAM Chairman James Kim and Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb. Yonhap
By Park Jae-hyuk
The U.S. ambassador to Korea said Friday that the two countries should strengthen their partnership in trade and technology to build a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.
During the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM) Digital Innovation Forum, Friday, U.S. Ambassador Philip Goldberg welcomed the Yoon administration's decision to join the launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF), saying that Korea has an important role to play in helping shape the “rules-based order” that enables prosperity.
“Korea will also be a part of the initial meeting of the Chip 4 in discussing how we can secure supply chains in the semiconductor field,” the ambassador said. “I plan to work together with the Yoon administration, Korean people, Korean businesses and our businesses from the United States on a shared vision for a free and opened Indo-Pacific and a world committed to the international rules-based democratic principles and universal human rights.”
U.S. Ambassador to Korea Philip Goldberg delivers congratulatory remarks at the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea Digital Innovation Forum at Grand Hyatt Seoul, Friday. Yonhap
Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb, who is on a two-day economic development trip to Korea, also talked about supply chain issues at the forum, mentioning his visit a day earlier to Samsung SDI's factory in Cheonan city, South Chungcheong Province. The Korean electric vehicle battery maker agreed earlier this year to invest $2.5 billion in the city of Kokomo, Indiana to establish a joint venture with Stellantis.
Holcomb, who came to Korea following his four-day trip to Taiwan, noted that all places he had visited throughout this week are related to the supply of components for five major carmakers located in Indiana. He met with semiconductor industry officials in Taiwan, including representatives from TSMC.
“South Korea and Indiana have many common values, interests and goals,” he said. “Our economic and educational ties continue to grow year after year with always a focus on today, tomorrow and the future of industry. Many more exciting opportunities lie ahead of us both to lengthen and strengthen our many bonds, building upon the cherished partnerships we already share.”
Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb delivers congratulatory remarks at the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea Digital Innovation Forum at Grand Hyatt Seoul, Friday. Yonhap
Rep. Jung Chung-rae of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, who delivered congratulatory remarks as the chairman of the National Assembly's science, ICT, broadcasting, and communications committee, acknowledged the necessity of strengthening the Korea-U.S. economic alliance, saying that U.S. companies have played major roles for Korea to become a powerhouse in culture and digitization. The lawmaker mentioned Netflix which enabled Korean content, such as “Squid Game,” to win global popularity.
The AMCHAM Digital Innovation Forum was held for the first time this year to celebrate the R&D contributions of global technology companies and their promotion of digital transformation, which has emerged as a critical business strategy for sustainable economic growth.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the need for companies to become even more digital.” AMCHAM Chairman James Kim said. “Digital trade has now become a key economic growth strategy globally, including the U.S. and Korea.”