▲ Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jeong-gwan answers reporters' questions at Incheon International Airport on July 22 before departing for Washington, D.C., to attend the opening ceremony of the Korea-U.S. Shipbuilding Cooperation Center.
Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jeong-gwan said on July 22 (local time) that discussions for the first project under the 200 billion dollar investment in the United States, following the South Korea-U.S. trade agreement, are centered around the energy sector, with an announcement expected as early as late August.
Speaking to reporters upon arriving in the United States via Dulles International Airport near Washington, D.C. that day, Minister Kim said, "From our perspective, projects that can generate stable cash flow are naturally better projects. We believe energy-related projects have an advantage in that regard, and we are currently discussing such projects with the U.S. side."
"The situation is currently in the final stages," Kim stated. "If we successfully wrap up the deals on major issues, I think we will likely be able to announce it around late August or sometime in September."
Previously, Chief Presidential Secretary for Policy Kim Yong-beom also projected that the first U.S. investment project would materialize around August or September.
"We are discussing current projects very closely with the U.S., and we plan to hold further discussions during this visit," Kim emphasized. "While we cannot proceed unconditionally because there are major criteria such as commercial rationality, we will do our utmost to create a win-win situation between South Korea and the U.S."
To discuss U.S. investments and trade pending issues, Minister Kim is visiting Washington, D.C. from today through July 25 to meet with key administration and congressional figures, including U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick.
He will also attend the opening ceremony of the Korea-U.S. Shipbuilding Cooperation Center held on July 23.
(Photo: Yonhap News)
※
Copying, redistribution, and unauthorized use in AI training are strictly prohibited.