Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon sent a letter requesting cooperation to Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer in response to the U.S. government's plan to impose high tariffs on automobiles and auto parts.
In the letter, Governor Kim stated, as Michigan Governor Whitmer had expressed concerns to President Trump, that "auto tariffs could negatively impact not only Gyeonggi Province but also Michigan's automotive industry and consumers," and added, "If you pay attention to ensuring that companies in both regions can continue to coexist based on the trust and cooperation they have built so far, and act as a bridge with the federal government, a new horizon of trust and cooperation between the two countries will open."
He continued, "It would be greatly helpful if the Governor could inform Michigan companies about the difficulties faced by Korean export companies," and added, "Gyeonggi Province hopes to continue sustainable cooperation in the future car industry and advanced technology sectors as an innovation alliance partner of Michigan."
Governor Kim's letter is a follow-up to the emergency economic meeting held with automobile export companies at Pyeongtaek Port on the 31st of last month.
A company representative attending the meeting suggested that since small and medium-sized parts suppliers lack the ability to respond in negotiations with U.S. automakers, Gyeonggi Province should actively establish a tariff negotiation channel to complement the absence of the central government.
In response, Governor Kim immediately replied, "Since the headquarters of major automobile companies are located in Michigan, I will try to find a way by utilizing my connection with the Governor."
Since signing a friendship and cooperation agreement in 2011, Gyeonggi Province and Michigan have maintained a deep relationship of trust in various fields such as advanced industries, renewable energy, and youth exchanges. Automotive parts companies in the province have established themselves as trusted partners by supplying key components to U.S. automakers headquartered in Michigan, including GM, Ford, and Stellantis.
During his visit to the U.S. in April 2023, Governor Kim met with Governor Whitmer in Michigan and proposed an innovation alliance. Governor Whitmer also visited Gyeonggi Province last March at Governor Kim's invitation to discuss cooperation plans, demonstrating active exchanges.
Meanwhile, following the emergency martial law situation on December 3 last year, Governor Kim sent letters three times to politicians, businesspeople, and international organization officials worldwide with whom he has exchange relations to inform them about the situation in Korea.
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