The United States and the Republic of Korea (ROK) held the third meeting of their Business Travel and Visa Working Group in Seoul on January 28. The session was co-chaired by Jonathan Fritz, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, and Kim Sun-young, Bilateral Economic Affairs Director General for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Discussions at the meeting focused on supporting Korean investments in the United States. Both countries emphasized efforts to facilitate lawful travel for Korean workers involved in these investments, as well as technical training aimed at improving the skills of American workers. Participants pointed to the success of the recently launched Korean Investment and Travel Desk, which aims to strengthen economic ties between the two nations.
The working group also discussed ways to improve communication about travel and U.S. immigration requirements to encourage further investment in line with American laws. The United States highlighted its focus on long-term workforce development that supports national priorities.
"The participants highlighted the success of the newly established Korean Investment and Travel Desk, an initiative designed to foster stronger economic ties between the United States and the ROK," according to a statement from both delegations.
The U.S. side stressed its commitment to welcoming Korean investment that supports American reindustrialization, reinforces bilateral alliances, enhances shared defense capabilities, and helps build a stronger workforce foundation.
"This cooperation underscores the United States’ commitment to welcoming and encouraging Korean investment that advances American reindustrialization, reinforces the U.S.-ROK Alliance as well as our shared defense and industrial capabilities, and builds a stronger workforce foundation to enhance our shared prosperity," said officials at the meeting.
