Kim Dongyeon, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, has promised to lower barriers to support exports by small and medium-sized enterprises in the province.
On August 20, Governor Kim met with representatives from automobile companies and parts manufacturers at the Pyeongtaek Port Marine Center. He stated, "Since the launch of the (Lee Jaemyung) administration, we have been preparing countermeasures well, and with the Korea-US summit scheduled later this month, we expect good progress on the tariff issue." He added, "However, there is a time gap before the central government can fully understand the difficulties faced by businesses on the ground and implement practical measures. As the primary partner of the new administration, Gyeonggi Province will proactively listen to the concerns of companies and take swift action."
After hearing various opinions from the participating companies, he continued, "We will continue to work toward 'lowering barriers,'" and requested, "Please establish a contact point where the Economic Office, International Affairs Bureau, and Gyeonggi Business & Science Accelerator can directly hear the industry's concerns."
Kim Dongyeon, Governor of Gyeonggi Province (fourth from the left), is taking a commemorative photo with participants at the 'Automobile Export-Related Companies On-Site Meeting' held at Pyeongtaek Port Marine Center on the 20th. Provided by Gyeonggi Province
The participants stated, "If the automobile system breaks down, recovery is impossible, and among auto parts manufacturers, secondary and tertiary suppliers have operating margins of only 3-5%, making it difficult to survive." They requested, "Please support joint overseas expansion for parts suppliers and lower the barriers to assistance."
In particular, Ye In-dae, Director at Korea Fukoku, explained the achievements of tariff compensation negotiations with automakers such as Ford and Stellantis in the United States. He expressed his gratitude, saying that after Governor Kim visited Michigan, the automakers contacted them immediately, allowing the establishment of a communication channel.
On March 31, Governor Kim listened to the difficulties of the automobile industry at Pyeongtaek Port. Then, on April 10, he traveled to the United States and met with Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, leading to agreements on four items, including establishing channels between Korean parts companies and the three major US automakers.
Meanwhile, the meeting was attended by executives from Hyundai Motor Company, Hyundai Glovis, and Korea Fukoku, as well as Oh Yunseok, Director of the Korea Auto Parts Industry Promotion Foundation, and Professor Kim Pilsoo of Daelim University, among others.
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