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SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - Governor Wes Moore and the Maryland delegation this morning began the second segment of the governor’s international trade and investment mission to promote economic growth and workforce development. The governor and delegation arrived late last night in South Korea to pursue a packed agenda for the day in Seoul.
Governor Moore first met with Republic of Korea Prime Minister and Acting President Duck-soo Han during an hour-long breakfast meeting. The acting president and the governor discussed the shared values and special relationship between the State of Maryland and the Republic of Korea, uplifting the objectives of the Maryland delegation’s economic development and trade mission.
Acting President Han and Governor Moore discussed the governor’s desire to grow Maryland’s economy through expansion in lighthouse industries like quantum, life sciences, and aerospace technology, in addition to the myriad ways that Maryland and the Republic of Korea can work together to advance economic growth. The leaders also discussed the need to promote long-term commitment to growth and stability amid changes to tariff policy and rapidly shifting geopolitics.
“I was honored to meet with Acting President Han and am very much looking forward to continuing to build upon the strong foundational relationship that Maryland has long enjoyed with the Republic of Korea,” said Gov. Moore. “Our mission marks the next chapter in our work to grow our economy and build new pathways to prosperity for Marylanders—and we look forward to working with our partners and friends in the Republic of Korea toward achieving our shared vision.”
The governor then joined leadership from the University of Maryland, Baltimore and Chosun University to witness the signing of a memorandum of understanding that will promote academic exchange between the two universities. The agreement is the first of five—the remaining four of which will be signed tomorrow at Chosun University. The new collaboration will help foster a globally competitive workforce, boost economic growth through international student contributions and research collaborations, and strengthen academic programs in Maryland. The three-year agreement will focus on life science sectors, engaging the schools of medicine, dentistry, nursing, and pharmacy.
Following the memorandum of understanding signing, Governor Moore met with Invest KOREA Commissioner Tae Hyung Kim prior to speaking at a Korea-Maryland business seminar hosted by the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency. Known as KOTRA, the organization is the Korean national government’s primary foreign direct investment promotional agency. About 100 executives from various Korean companies were represented during the session, each from the lighthouse sectors where the state is seeking to grow.
The governor then traveled to deliver remarks at a luncheon with top executives from Korea’s most prominent companies hosted by the Korea International Trade Association. Known as KITA, the association is one of three key ec?onomic multipliers in Korea, with more than 77,000 companies represented as members. As the largest business organization in Korea, KITA is focused on establishing trade infrastructure and advocating for the interests of Korean organizations through global trade, in addition to helping small and medium-sized businesses enter overseas markets.
For his second afternoon engagem?ent, the governor again joined leadership from IonQ and the University of Maryland for two additional memoranda of understanding signings, further advancing Maryland’s Capital of Quantum initiative on the heels of World Quantum Day.
Governor Moore then traveled to the U.S. Ambassador’s residence to meet with Chargé d’Affaires and Acting U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Joseph Yun. The governor and the Chargé d’Affaires discussed advancing Maryland’s economic priorities in South Korea before joining Korean business leaders and the Maryland delegation for a welcome reception.
At evening’s end, Governor Moore met with leaders from the Samsung Group, including Samsung Group and Samsung Electronics President of Global Public Affairs Won-kyong Kim; Samsung Biologics Executive Vice President James Choi; and Samsung Electronics Global Public Affairs Director Cameron Canyaka.
Operating across numerous industries, Samsung’s core focus is in electronics, heavy industry, construction, financial services, and biotechnology. During the meeting, the governor touted Maryland’s considerable assets in life sciences, health, and research—including world-class universities, a thriving and diverse biotech ecosystem, and a strong talent pipeline. Samsung has a significant and growing presence in the United States, employing more than 20,000 employees through their operations in San Francisco, California; Ridgefield Park, New Jersey; and Boston, Massachusetts.