Former Georgia Governor Nathan Deal is a friend to Korean companies
Committed to attracting Korean companies such as Hyundai Motor Company
Hyundai is a recognized brand in the U.S.
Over 100,000 Koreans in Georgia
This April, the World Korean Business Congress
Proud to be in Atlanta, USA
I was happy to accept the honorary chairmanship

“When I was asked to be the honorary chairman of the World Korean American Business Congress in Atlanta this April, I immediately accepted. I am grateful to be able to show my appreciation for Korea in this way.”

Former Georgia Governor Nathan Deal (82, pictured) said in a recent phone interview with Maeil Business that “every time I hear the word Korea, my heart skips a beat.”

He remembers the contributions that Korean companies made to the local economy during his tenure as governor from 2011 to 2019.

Since leaving office, Korean companies have continued to expand their presence in Georgia, with cumulative direct investment totaling $14.5 billion (about KRW 21 trillion) across more than 130 companies. These include Kia, Hyundai, Q CELLS, and SK Energy.

“Kia was the first Korean conglomerate to successfully establish a presence in western Georgia, and since then, many Korean companies have followed suit,” said Deal, who emphasized that the company has become a symbol of the strong partnership between South Korea and Georgia.

“I look forward to the World Korean Business Congress in Atlanta in April and am confident that we will see more Korean companies invest in Georgia,” Dill said.

He added that the continued growth of the Korean-American population in Georgia, especially in Atlanta, is a testament to the state’s attractiveness as an investment destination.

Georgia is home to more than 100,000 Korean Americans and Korean is the third most spoken language in the state. Late last month, the Georgia General Assembly adopted a resolution honoring the 20th anniversary of Korean American Day.

“Georgia is the largest state in the United States geographically east of the Mississippi River and is the gateway to the eastern United States,” Deal said.

Dill wants more Korean companies to come to Georgia because he believes they can succeed.

“The goal of the U.S.-Korea relationship is not only to grow the relationship, but also for Korean products to be in more homes in the U.S. and for Korean brands to be more recognized,” he said, adding that some Korean brands have already done so, and more will follow.

He cited quality and community engagement as two of the key keys to success for Korean companies in the United States. “Having the best quality is the first requirement, and then you have to engage with the local community and become part of the local community,” Mr. Dill emphasized.

Dill said that more interaction between the younger generations is needed to improve U.S.-South Korea relations. “The future of our relationship will be brighter if young people from both countries share their culture and friendship with each other,” he said, ”and I will work toward that.”

Mr. Deal studied law at Mercer University in Georgia and began his career as a judge in Georgia. He served as a Georgia State Senator (R) from 1981-1993 and as a U.S. Representative from 1993-2010. He was elected governor in 2011 and served eight consecutive terms as governor.

The 23rd World Korean Business Congress will be held April 17-20 in Atlanta, U.S., and is organized by the Korea Economic Daily-MBN, the Korean Overseas Korean Association, and the Korea Chamber of Commerce in the Americas.

[Correspondent Yoon Won-seop in New York]

Source: Maeil Business Daily

https://www.mk.co.kr/news/world/11241249