Alabama Expandsโข Global Presence with Newโข Seoul Office to Boost Trade &โค Investment
SEOUL, South Korea – The Alabama Department โฃof Commerce today announcedโข the opening of a new business growth office in Seoul, South Korea, solidifying the state’s commitment โto strengthening economic ties with โone of its most important international partners.
The Department has partnered with Samil PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC),South Korea’s leading professional services firm,to represent Alabama’s business interests in the country. Samil PwC brings over 50 years of experienceโข facilitating trade and investment for both public and โคprivate sector clients.
leading the Alabama-focused team will be Sean Blakeley, an international business development expert, supported by Carol Yelim Choo as Alabama’s dedicated Korea representative. Their core focus will be attractingโฃ Korean investment to Alabama, โฃassisting Alabama companies with export opportunities, andโ coordinating participation in keyโ trade events and business missions.
“South Korea has been instrumental in Alabama’s economic growth forโ over two decades, with investments like Hyundai โคtransforming our communities and creating โthousands of jobs,” stated Ellen McNair, โฃSecretary of the Alabama Department of โCommerce. “A permanent presence in Seoul will further strengthen this vital partnership and position โAlabamaโข for continued success.”
Since 1999, Korean companies, primarily Hyundai Motor Group and its โsuppliers, have invested $9.6 billion inโค Alabama, making South Korea โa โtop three international investment partner alongside Germany and Japan.
Christina Stimpson, Global business Officer for Commerce, emphasized the strategic importance of the new office: “With a dedicated team on the ground through Samil PwC, we can deepen โขrelationships with Korean investors and better support Alabama โcompanies expanding into this key market.”
The Seoul office joins existing Alabama trade offices inโ Stuttgart,โข Germany and Tokyo, Japan, extending the state’s reach across three of the โคworld’s most dynamic economies and demonstrating a long-term commitment to global business engagement.
Hollie Pegg,Assistant Director of Commerce’s Recruitment and Retention Office,added,”This new office reflects our long-term commitment toโ the Korean relationship,building on billions in investment,thousands of jobs,and aโ shared sense of progress. โคWe’reโ excited to strengthen โคour partnerships and unlock even more opportunities for Alabama.”