International: Secretary Lightsey on S.C.’s special business relationship with Korea

Of the many countries that South Carolina has strong business and trade ties, Korean companies have been investing in South Carolina for many decades and continue to make a significant annual impact on the state’s economy.

Secretary Lightsey had the opportunity to discuss the impact of Korean businesses in South Carolina on a recent episode of The Korea Society’s President’s Interview series. Secretary Lightsey joined The Korea Society President Tom Byrne, JobsOhio Head of Strategy Andrew Deye and Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson. The group talked about Korea’s trade and investments across the Southeast and within each panelist’s respective state.

S.C. Commerce has a presence in South Korea to promote the state’s business-friendly environment and recruit industry, the country is one of the state’s top export partners – accounting for $1.4 billion in total export sales in 2021 – and the state is home to a number of Korean-based companies including Samsung and Kiswire.