The leaders of the Korea-U.S. Business Council and the U.S.-Korea Business Council held a meeting in Seoul, in anticipation of the incoming new U.S. administration and the KUSBC-USKBC Joint Plenary Meeting, to be convened in Washington, D.C. in December.

  The Federation of Korean Industries (hereinafter, “FKI”) invited key figures from the Korean and U.S. business communities to the Networking Reception hosted by the Korea-U.S. Business Council. The event was held at the Promenade, on the 50th floor of the FKI Tower, on the afternoon of November 20. This was a pre-event for the 35th KUSBC-USKBC Joint Plenary Meeting to be held in Washington, D.C. this December, and it was planned as an opportunity to further cement friendship among key figures in the Korean and U.S. business communities. The event was also attended by H.E. Philip S. Goldberg, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea and In-Kyo Cheong, Minister for Trade of the Republic of Korea.

First gathering of top private-sector leadership in the Korean and U.S. business communities since confirmation of President-elect Trump’s second term in office

  As host, Jin Roy Ryu, chairman of the FKI, emphasized in his welcoming remarks that, “The KUSBC/USKBC played key roles in major achievements such as the signing of the KORUS FTA and the Visa Waiver Program,” and indicated, “It is my honor to serve as Chairman of the KUSBC at this time when much attention is focused on Korea-U.S. economic cooperation with the return of President-elect Trump.” “Chairman Evan G. Greenberg’s ties to Korea,” Chairman Ryu said, “Extends across generations, as the role of USKBC chairman was previously held by his father, Maurice Greenberg.”

  During his visit to Korea in April, Chairman Greenberg met with President Yoon Suk Yeol and expressed his affection for Korea. He had remarked, “For decades, I have been a first-hand witness to Korea’s extraordinary economic growth. I will actively support two-way business investment and cooperation among the two countries and do what is required to strengthen the ROKUS alliance.”

Key U.S. opinion leader on Asia-Pacific strategy, Chairman Evan G. Greenberg of the Chubb Group, assumed the role of 9th USKBC Chairman as of January this year

  Chairman Evan G. Greenberg is a key opinion leader in the U.S. on Asia-Pacific strategy, serving as executive vice chair of the National Committee on United States-China Relations. He is also on the board of leading think tanks such as the Center for Strategic and International Studies and the Peterson Institute for International Economics. Chairman Greenberg was appointed to the position of 9th USKBC Chair in December of last year and assumed his role as of January this year. The upcoming KUSBC-USKBC Joint Plenary Meeting, convening in Washington, D.C. this December, will be his first annual meeting as chair. His father, Maurice Greenberg, served as the 4th USKBC Chairman.

  Chairman Greenberg is also Chairman of the Board and CEO of the Chubb Group, an insurance company that is ranked 6th globally in terms of market capitalization. The Chubb Group operates three insurance businesses in Korea: Chubb Life, Lina Life, and Lina General Insurance. In his annual letter to shareholders, Chairman Greenberg introduced the Korean market as a role model for other countries, denoting his interest and affection for Korea. 

Attended by over 90 former and current executives from leading Korean and U.S. organizations such as Samsung, SK, Hyundai Motor, and LG as well as Morgan Stanley, Citigroup, and Uber, respectively: “Despite potential new policies, we remain steadfast business partners.”

  The 35th KUSBC-USKBC Joint Plenary Meeting will be held in Washington, D.C.  for the first time in 5 years on December 10 (local time). The pre-event networking reception held today brought together more than 90 attendees, raising expectations for the Joint Plenary. Korean attendees included leaders from key Korean businesses including Samsung, SK, Hyundai Motor, and LG as well as key government and business community figures. U.S. attendees included former and current key members of leading U.S. organizations, including the Chubb Group, Morgan Stanley, Citigroup, and Uber.

  Bong Man Kim, vice president of the International Affairs Division of the FKI, remarked, “With a new incoming U.S. administration, policies may change but we remain steadfast business partners.” He added, “The KUSBC will spare no efforts in our commitment to act as the top private-sector platform dedicated to strengthening and supporting the enduring cooperation between the Korean and U.S. business communities.”

※ [Attachment] Overview of the Korea-U.S. Business Council Networking Reception