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Governor DeSantis Meets with South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-Soo

Governor Ron DeSantis and South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-Soo
Governor's Office
Governor Ron DeSantis and South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-Soo

Korea - Wednesday April 26, 2023: On Wednesday Governor DeSantis met with Prime Minister Han Duck-Soo of South Korea to highlight the growing business relationship between Florida and South Korea.

“Florida is excited to be strengthening business ties with South Korea and we look forward to continuing to build on our partnership,” said the Governor. “I was happy to meet with the Prime Minister and showcase the economic opportunities available by working with Florida.”

South Korea was the Governor’s second stop on his four nation trade mission, following his meetings in Japan Monday and Tuesday.

Governor Ron DeSantis Meets with Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon
Earlier, the Governor met with Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon to demonstrate Florida’s position as a strong leader in economic development and trade and reaffirm a sister state agreement between Florida and the Gyeonggi Province.

“Building strong relationships with countries in the Asia Pacific region allows for new economic opportunities to grow and strengthens our ability to combat the Chinese Communist Party’s growing influence,” said DeSantis. “Florida is happy to reaffirm the sister state agreement with the Gyeonggi Province and continue to strengthen economic ties with South Korea.”

Governor Meets with Executives from Hyundai Motor Group and Kia Global
The Governor also met with Karl Kim, President of Hyundai Motor Group, and Hosung Song, President and CEO of Kia Corporation. At the meeting, the Governor and executives from each company discussed ways to expand their business in Florida, including the possibilities for electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL).

“We are proud of the connections we have made with Hyundai and Kia while visiting South Korea,” said the Governor. “Florida’s JAXPORT is one of the top ports for receiving vehicles shipped from across the world because of our pro-business policies and strong infrastructure. We are proud to continue building relationships with the world’s automakers to increase business in Florida.”

“Hyundai was honored to meet with Governor DeSantis during his trip to South Korea and discuss the important role Florida plays in our U.S. businesses,” said Karl Kim, President, Hyundai Motor Group. “We understand Florida is open to emerging transportation technologies and we look forward to exploring opportunities to work with the state as we deliver our vision for the future of mobility.”

Hyundai is currently testing a eVTOL vehicle. Florida is poised to lead the nation in advanced air mobility and eVTOL because of its mild weather, robust aviation infrastructure network and the large number of eVTOP operators and manufacturers that have already begun operations in Florida.

Governor's Office

Governor Ron DeSantis Gives Remarks to Business Leaders in South Korea
The Governor had a breakfast meeting Wednesday with Korean business executives, He spoke about Florida’s economic partnership with South Korea.

Click on this link to watch the Governor’s remarks: https://fb.watch/kaeNIaBKi-/.

Governor Signs MOU with LowCarbon Hydrogen Corporation in South Korea
The Governor on Wednesday also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with South Korea-based LowCarbon Hydrogen Corporation to create a research hub for clean hydrogen technology in Florida. The company plans to develop a clean hydrogen facility in Polk County, Florida, and is set to break ground in June 2023.

The LowCarbon Hydrogen Corporation is collaborating with Space Florida to support the development and deployment of clean hydrogen and related technologies for aerospace and space industry launch applications.

“Our state is taking a bold step towards promoting long-term development in the aerospace and space industry across the entire supply chain,” said the Governor. “From manufacturing and launching to fuel production, Florida is the global leader in the new space economy.”

The collaboration between Space Florida and LowCarbon Hydrogen Corporation and Ocean Green Hydrogen is a significant step towards promoting Florida as not only the launch capital of the world, but also the place for companies across the aerospace supply chain to grow.

To read the MOU, click here.

Governor's Office

Florida and South Korea’s Economic Relationship
South Korean affiliates in Florida are estimated to have total holdings of more than $107 million with South Korean companies like Hyundai Motor Group and Korean Airlines having operations in Florida.

Merchandise trade between Florida and South Korea exceeds $1.3 billion annually, making it Florida’s 7th largest bilateral trade partner in Asia and the Middle East region. South Korea imported more than $341.6 million from Florida in 2022, while Florida imported more than $951 million in goods from South Korea in 2022.