Contact: Tom Evenson
(608) 266-2839
Seoul, South Korea — Governor Scott Walker arrived in South Korea today for the second leg of his eight-day trade mission aimed at boosting Wisconsin exports and encouraging overseas companies to invest in the state.
“We had three very productive days in Japan as we spoke with dozens of business leaders about the opportunities to invest in Wisconsin and laid the groundwork for potential future partnerships, and I look forward to doing the same in South Korea,” Governor Walker said. “Our visit to South Korea will help raise awareness about Wisconsin as a destination for foreign direct investment. We will meet with political leaders, industry associations, and business leaders to discuss opportunities for Korean businesses in Wisconsin and ways that Wisconsin businesses can partner with Korean companies.”
During his visit to the country, Governor Walker is scheduled to meet with South Korea Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon, South Korea Minister for Trade Kim Hyun-chon and Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon to discuss current political and economic conditions as well as potential collaborations between Wisconsin and South Korea.
Governor Walker also will lead two “Opportunity in Wisconsin” events for South Korean business leaders, including executives of companies interested in establishing or expanding operations in the U.S. The companies will learn about opportunities to expand their businesses in Wisconsin and the benefits of investing in the state.
Other highlights of the visit to South Korea include:
- Governor Walker and WEDC officials will meet with leaders of the Daegu-Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST) in Seoul to discuss possible future collaboration with South Korean technology-based startups.
- Governor Walker will meet with representatives of Wisconsin-based RPRD Diagnostics and Orient Bio, a leading biotechnology company based in South Korea, to discuss possible collaboration efforts between the two companies.
- Governor Walker will give a presentation to members of the Korean International Trade Association about the opportunities that exist in Wisconsin.
- The governor and WEDC staff will present members of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry with an overview of the state’s key business advantages, including its central location, strong workforce and history of innovation.
- Governor Walker and WEDC leaders will take part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Korean War Memorial in Seoul. The governor will lay a wreath at the memorial’s Peace Plaza in honor of the U.S. and Wisconsin troops who gave their lives during the Korean War.
- Before returning to Wisconsin on Saturday, Governor Walker will visit with members of the 115th Fighter Wing, a unit of the Wisconsin Air National Guard, which is currently stationed at the Kunsan Air Base along the west coast of South Korea.
Governor Walker is leading a 22-member Wisconsin delegation that includes WEDC leaders and 13 executives from eight Wisconsin companies. During the trade mission, the company executives have been engaging in personalized, one-on-one meetings with potential business partners coordinated by WEDC’s authorized trade representative network in each country.
