The Korean government held the first joint conference of "Korea Desks" on Tuesday (local time), discussing support measures for Korean companies' investments in the United States on a state-by-state basis. The Korea Desks serve as dedicated diplomatic and trade liaison channels connecting US state governments with Korea.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, the Korea Desks are honorary Korea liaison officers appointed by the government in 38 US states to support the smooth activities of Korean companies and expatriates. This marked the first gathering of the officers since their appointments began in March last year.
The conference, held in Maryland, was attended by about 50 participants including Ambassador to the US Kang Kyung-wha and Korean corporate officials, along with Utah Governor Spencer Cox, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, and Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson.
"The Korea-US alliance is evolving into a 'future-oriented comprehensive strategic alliance,'" Ambassador Kang said. "I ask each liaison officer to serve as a key facilitator so that projects such as local workforce development and supply chain establishment—necessary for large-scale Korea-US investment commitments to translate into actual economic outcomes—can take root in local communities."
Maryland Governor Moore noted that "cooperation between the two countries is becoming visible in advanced industries such as biotechnology and quantum." Commissioner Wilson said, "We will further deepen our solid partnership through state-level technology and infrastructure support."
