KITA, State of Michigan Join Forces on Advanced Industries: Cooperation on Mobility and Battery Supply Chains

[Financial News] The Korea International Trade Association has begun efforts to strengthen supply-chain cooperation with the State of Michigan, a U.S. hub for mobility and advanced manufacturing.
KITA held a luncheon meeting with Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and trade industry representatives on the 14th at Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, where participants discussed ways for companies from the two countries to cooperate on next-generation technologies.
The meeting was attended by 19 executives from battery and auto-parts companies, including KITA Chairman Jin-Shik Yun, Samsung SDI, LG Energy Solution, and Hanse Mobility. The companies either operate in Michigan or are interested in investing there. Michigan was represented by a 15-member delegation, including Governor Whitmer and officials from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).
Governor Whitmer, a Democrat regarded as a potential future leader in U.S. politics, has received credit for significantly strengthening Michigan’s industrial competitiveness. She has led efforts to revive the U.S. auto industry and attract next-generation battery and clean-energy supply chains.
In his welcoming remarks, Chairman Yun said, "The State of Michigan is the birthplace of the traditional auto industry and is emerging as a hub for next-generation mobility, batteries, and advanced manufacturing." He added, "I hope Governor Whitmer will continue to show interest in and support our efforts so that this meeting can serve as an opportunity for Korean companies and Michigan to build an even more robust partnership in supply-chain stabilization, trade, and investment."
Governor Whitmer responded, "Michigan is ready to develop next-generation technologies with Korean companies, backed by an outstanding skilled workforce, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and a strong supply chain." She added, "Building on the close partnership that Michigan and Korea have maintained for decades, I look forward to opening the industries of the future together with Korean companies."
[email protected] Dong-ho Kim Reporter