HD Hyundai’s Chung Kisun met with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Seoul to boost strategic ties in shipbuilding and port infrastructure security.
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| Chung Kisun, HD Hyundai Executive Vice Chairman, met with Jamierson Greer, US Trade Representative, on May 16 and discussed measures for cooperation between South Korea and the U.S. in the shipbuilding industry.. Image: HD Hyundai |
Seoul, South Korea — May 16, 2025:
Chung Kisun, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of HD Hyundai, engaged in a high-level meeting with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Seoul to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation in shipbuilding and port infrastructure, highlighting a pivotal step toward deepening Korea-U.S. industrial ties.
Held during the USTR delegation’s visit to South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) trade ministers’ meeting, the dialogue marks the first official meeting between the U.S. Trade Representative and Korea’s shipbuilding sector.
Chung detailed HD Hyundai’s partnership with U.S. defense shipbuilder Huntington Ingalls Industries and proposed joint ventures in advanced ship construction, technology development, and skilled workforce training. These efforts aim to fortify both nations’ capabilities amid evolving geopolitical and supply chain challenges.
Additionally, the discussions covered HD Hyundai Samho’s crane manufacturing division. Chung emphasized the strategic importance of diversifying and securing the U.S. port crane supply chain, proposing greater cooperation to support critical American port infrastructure with reliable, non-Chinese alternatives.
“We are fully committed to contributing our expertise to support the revitalization of America’s shipbuilding and maritime sectors,” said Chung. “This partnership reflects the trust between our nations and our shared commitment to industrial security.”
Jamieson Greer, who served as Chief of Staff to former USTR Robert Lighthizer and helped steer key U.S.-China trade negotiations, reaffirmed Washington’s intent to rebuild domestic manufacturing in collaboration with trusted allies like South Korea.
The meeting underlines a new strategic alignment between South Korea and the United States in vital industries such as shipbuilding, defense manufacturing, and port security. It represents not just a business milestone, but a broader shift toward enhanced technological and economic resilience across the Pacific.