South Korea is establishing a dedicated team of experts to support a newly formed government committee responsible for the initial evaluation of potential investment projects in the United States. This initiative is part of a broader trade agreement between the two nations, according to statements released by trade authorities on Sunday.
This move follows the inaugural meeting of the Korea-US strategic investment memorandum of understanding implementation committee on Friday, where potential projects were explored. Concurrently, the National Assembly is considering special legislation to facilitate and support these potential investments, according to the authorities.
The committee, led by Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan and comprising vice ministerial officials from relevant government departments and heads of state-run financial institutions, will act as a “single window” for US investment consultations. It will also assess the commercial viability and economic benefits of proposed projects, according to the ministry.
The government reportedly intends to appoint officials from relevant ministries and include financial, legal, and market specialists with expertise in US investments to provide support to the committee.
The establishment of the memorandum of understanding implementation committee was prompted by US President Donald Trump’s threat last month to reinstate “reciprocal” tariffs and raise auto duties on Korean imports back to 25 percent. This threat was made in response to perceived delays in Seoul’s legislative process to implement the bilateral trade agreement finalized in late 2025.
The strategic investment agreement between South Korea and the United States was a key component of the overall trade deal. As part of the agreement, Korea committed to a $350 billion investment in the US in exchange for tariff reductions.
