What Happens When HD Hyundai CEO Meets USTR Greer to Discuss Shipbuilding Cooperation?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- HD Hyundai's CEO and USTR discussed shipbuilding cooperation.
- This meeting marked the first official dialogue between the USTR and South Korea's shipbuilding sector.
- Chung emphasized the need for bilateral collaboration in technology and training.
- Concerns were raised about the dominance of Chinese cranes in U.S. ports.
- Strengthening the U.S.-Korea supply chain is essential for future growth.
Seoul, May 16 (NationPress) The CEO of HD Hyundai, South Korea's premier shipbuilding giant, engaged in discussions with US Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer to investigate potential collaborations in the shipbuilding domain, as announced by the company on Friday.
During the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) trade ministers' meeting held on Jeju Island from Thursday to Friday, CEO Chung Ki-sun and Greer convened to have this pivotal meeting, according to a company press release.
This encounter signifies the inaugural official conversation between the USTR and the South Korean shipbuilding sector, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
Throughout the discussions, Chung highlighted the importance of fortifying bilateral partnerships in shipbuilding through collaborative technology advancements, joint process development, and employee training initiatives, as stated by the company.
"We sincerely value the United States' dedication to revitalizing its shipbuilding industry. HD Hyundai is fully equipped and eager to assist wherever our skills can be of service," Chung remarked.
In response to concerns regarding the prevalence of Chinese cranes at U.S. ports, Chung presented HD Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries Co., an affiliate with the capability to manufacture cranes.
He also stressed the necessity of diversifying the U.S. port equipment supply chain through enhanced collaboration between the U.S. and Korea.
In a related development, the CEO of GM Korea, the South Korean branch of General Motors, visited the automaker's Changwon facility to motivate staff amid rising fears of a potential exit due to changing U.S. tariff regulations.
CEO Hector Villarreal visited the plant, situated 298 kilometers southeast of Seoul, to connect with employees and reinforce on-site management, as per the company’s announcement.
Rumors regarding GM's potential withdrawal from South Korea have escalated following the onset of a 25 percent tariff on imported vehicles in the United States since April, compounded by the lack of new model releases and sluggish sales. GM Korea exports roughly 85 percent of its products to the U.S.