AmCham chief says economic and national security are 'inseparable'

The American Chamber of Commerce in Korea hosts a special luncheon at Mondrian Seoul Itaewon on Wednesday, with US Ambassador to Korea Michelle Park Steel and Gen. Xavier Brunson, commander of the Combined Forces Command, USFK and UN Command, in attendance. [AmCham Korea]
The American Chamber of Commerce in Korea hosts a special luncheon at Mondrian Seoul Itaewon on Wednesday, with US Ambassador to Korea Michelle Park Steel and Gen. Xavier Brunson, commander of the Combined Forces Command, USFK and UN Command, in attendance. [AmCham Korea]

The American Chamber of Commerce in Korea held a special luncheon Wednesday at Mondrian Seoul Itaewon, bringing together US Ambassador to Korea Michelle Park Steel and Gen. Xavier Brunson, commander of the Combined Forces Command, USFK and UN Command.

Held under the theme "The Korea-US Alliance in a Changing World: Strengthening Security, Prosperity and Partnership," the event addressed key issues in security and economic cooperation and explored ways to advance bilateral collaboration.

"The Korea-US alliance is stronger than ever, and the scope and importance of our cooperation have grown," AmCham Korea President and CEO James Kim said. "Built on a foundation of solid security, the alliance has evolved beyond defense into a partnership connecting the two countries' economies, industries and people."

Kim added that the two countries are jointly developing industries that will shape the future of economic and national security — from shipbuilding and semiconductors to batteries, aerospace and defense. "Economic security and national security are now inseparable, and AmCham will work to strengthen cooperation across both areas," he said.

Kim said the leadership of Ambassador Steel and Gen. Brunson is essential to opening a new chapter in the Korea-US partnership, and pledged that AmCham would contribute as a bridge between the two countries.

Steel and Brunson each delivered special remarks, followed by a moderated conversation between the two, led by Kim.

The two discussed the role of the Korea-US alliance in advancing shared economic interests while responding to a shifting security environment. They exchanged views on South Korea's evolving role in the international community, key challenges facing the alliance, and the future of USFK.

The conversation also examined the potential for South Korea to develop into a regional logistics and sustainment hub by leveraging its defense and manufacturing capabilities, as well as ways to strengthen military readiness and expand defense industry cooperation.

On economic security, participants discussed policy coordination between the two governments to support corporate investment and innovation. Key agenda items included improving regulatory predictability in the digital sector, creating a level playing field, and expanding US energy investment and LNG cooperation.

The luncheon, held to mark the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, drew about 200 participants, including representatives from AmCham member companies and other domestic and international businesses.


joze@heraldcorp.com