Minister for Trade, Industry and Energy Dukgeun Ahn of the Republic of Korea is visiting the U.S. through January 6–10 to meet with lawmakers and key figures of the U.S. federal and state government to discuss measures for stronger bilateral industrial, trade, and energy cooperation. He will also be paying respects to deceased former U.S. President Jimmy Carter.

From January 6–7, Minister Ahn is first making a trip to the state of Georgia, home to numerous Korean automobile, battery, and semiconductor businesses, where he plans to meet Georgia Governor Brian Kemp to ask for active support and interest towards Korean companies investing in the state. Following the meeting, the minister will be heading to SK On’s Georgia plant for a conference with Korean businesses operating in the region to discuss investment issues as well as schemes at the state level for enhancing Korea-U.S. industrial cooperation.

Through January 8–10, the minister will meet lawmakers in Washington D.C. to request the U.S. Congress’ support and interest for Korean firms’ stable investment and business activities in the U.S. Furthermore, he will be exchanging views with U.S. industry and think tank representatives on ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in high-tech areas.

Regarding former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, Minister Ahn noted his significant contribution to stabilizing and solidifying Korea-U.S. relations. The minister further assessed that his visit serves as an opportunity to secure a stable business environment for Korean companies operating in the U.S., while also advancing bilateral industrial, trade, and energy cooperation under the new U.S. administration.