New US Ambassador Steel vows to resolve hurdles facing American firms in Korea

The American Chamber of Commerce in Korea held a breakfast meeting with newly appointed US Ambassador to Korea Michelle Steel at its Yeouido office in Seoul on Thursday. It was Steel's first official engagement with American business leaders operating in Korea since taking office.

The gathering was held on a small scale, with senior executives from US companies representing key industries in Korea invited to attend. Steel reviewed the major challenges and business conditions facing American firms in the country and discussed ways to expand trade and investment between the two countries.

James Kim, chairman and CEO of AmCham Korea, said Steel's willingness to listen to voices from the business community and engage proactively from the very start of her tenure sent "a clear and encouraging message about the importance of US companies in the Korea-US economic partnership."

"Ambassador Steel brings a deep understanding of both countries and a firm commitment to advancing shared interests," Kim added. "In several meetings I had recently in Washington, I repeatedly heard high praise for the trust and broad network she has built across political and business circles."

The meeting also covered ways to further expand cooperation between the US Embassy and AmCham. Discussions included joint initiatives tied to "Freedom 250," a project marking the 250th anniversary of American independence, as well as collaborative efforts to highlight the significance of the Korea-US alliance and bilateral economic partnership.

Steel said American companies are "a core driving force in strengthening Korea-US economic cooperation," pledging to work closely with AmCham to resolve difficulties facing US firms, improve their operating environment and actively identify new opportunities that would contribute to the growth and prosperity of the American economy.