Pohang City Partners with World-OKTA London Branch to Secure Future Growth Engines

Seeking New Breakthroughs in Global Economic Cooperation
Following Washington Visit Appealing for Steel Tariff Relief

Lee Kangdeok, mayor of Pohang, signed a business agreement with the London branch of the World Korean Economic and Trade Association (World-OKTA) in London, England, on September 3 (local time) in his capacity as chairman of the Korea Large Cities Mayors Association.

Lee Kangdeok, Mayor of Pohang, is signing a business agreement with the London branch of the World Korean Economic and Trade Association in London, England, in his capacity as Chairman of the Korea Large Cities Mayors Association (from left, Lee Changkyun, Chairman of the London branch of the World Korean Economic and Trade Association, Lee Kangdeok, Chairman of the Korea Large Cities Mayors Association). Provided by Pohang City

Previously, Mayor Lee visited Washington, D.C., on September 1 and 2 to protect the steel industry and expand market opportunities for local companies amid an unprecedented crisis caused by global oversupply and a 50% high tariff. Continuing his proactive efforts, his London schedule now focuses on seeking new breakthroughs in youth overseas advancement and global economic cooperation.

This agreement was pursued to support young people seeking opportunities abroad and to expand global economic, trade, and investment cooperation.

The World-OKTA is an association of Korean entrepreneurs overseas, with 146 branches in 67 countries, more than 7,000 CEOs, and over 23,000 next-generation business leaders. It possesses a global network for economic, trade, and investment cooperation. This agreement is an extension of the one signed last year.

Pohang City plans to use this cooperation with the London branch as an opportunity to expand participation in international economic activities and strengthen support for young people seeking overseas opportunities. In particular, the city will participate in the 29th World Korean Business Convention to be held in Incheon this October, aiming to widely promote Pohang’s youth and local industries and strengthen its international network.

Lee Changgyun, chairman of the London branch of the World Korean Economic and Trade Association (World-OKTA), said, "This agreement has established a strong bridgehead for young people from Korea's large cities to advance overseas," adding, "The London branch will continue to work closely with Pohang City to pursue mutual development."

Mayor Lee stated, "This exchange will serve as a stepping stone for young people from Pohang and Korea’s large cities to gain experience and build their capabilities on the international stage." He added, "Our goal is to achieve tangible results in global economic, trade, and investment sectors, and to link these achievements to revitalizing the local economy." He further emphasized, "We will also focus on international economic cooperation and attracting investment in connection with Pohang’s industries."

On September 2, Mayor Lee visited the KOTRA North America Headquarters and the global policy consulting firm DGA Group in Washington, D.C., where he explained the current situation of Korea’s steel industry and strongly advocated for tariff relief, continuing his diplomatic efforts to protect key regional industries.