The Federation of Korean Industries (FKI) sent letters to its global counterparts, urging them to maintain their confidence in Korea's economy despite the recent political turmoil following President Yoon Suk Yeol's brief imposition of martial law.
The lobby group said, Wednesday, that its Chairman Ryu Jin sent the letters on Monday to 33 counterparts in 31 countries — five in North America, seven in Asia, one in Central Asia, 14 in Europe, and six in the Middle East and Africa. Among the notified business groups are the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Japan Business Federation, Confederation of British Industry, and Federation of German Industries.
The move comes in response to concerns from the international community about the safety of doing business and investing in Korea, as the botched martial law and the president's impeachment have disrupted the country's global economic reputation.
In the letters, Ryu assured the groups and their countries that the Korean economy is "in stable condition, thanks to Korea's robust fundamentals and high level of global trust." He emphasized that with ongoing efforts by the Korean government and companies to minimize the impact of the political fiasco, its impact on the national economy will be limited.
The National Assembly has already begun working to support corporate activities, Ryu said, by passing revisions to tax laws to spur the government's investments in cutting-edge industries. The government is also considering new incentives to bolster investments from foreign companies and investors, the chairman added.
Ryu also assured that Korean companies will proceed with their planned investments on the global stage. He added that they are swiftly adapting to the changing global trade environment in anticipation of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's second term.
“The government and companies of Korea are coming up with their best solutions to minimize the aftermath of the recent political fiasco,” Ryu said. “We sincerely wish that Korea's trade with countries and business groups worldwide become even more revitalized than before.”
Earlier, Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman Chey Tae-won also sent similar letters to 128 business lobby groups worldwide and foreign ambassadors from 116 countries in Korea. Similarly, Korea International Trade Association Chairman Yoon Jin-sik sent letters to 237 counterparts in 68 countries.
The government is making similar moves to address concerns about Korea's economic situation.
Acting President Han Duck-soo appointed former Financial Services Commission Chairman Choi Jong-ku as a global financial partnership ambassador to represent Korea. The special envoy will be responsible for maintaining the country's economic diplomacy, Han said, promoting Korea's economic situation and future political directions to key nations and global credit rating agencies.
Han added that he will also appoint another special envoy to gather global support for investments in Korea, with former U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM) Chairman Jeffrey Jones expected to be named.