At The Korea Society’s 2023 Annual Dinner on Wednesday, Republican Georgia Governor Brian Kemp was given the James A. Van Fleet Award, on behalf of the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD).
The General James A. Van Fleet Award was established in 1992 and is considered one of the most prestigious awards in the field of U.S.-Korea affairs. It is awarded annually “to one or more distinguished Koreans or Americans in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the promotion of U.S.-Korea relations.”
“The strong and enduring partnership between Georgia and Korea is rooted in a shared value of innovation and hard work,” said Kemp. “My first economic development mission as governor was to Korea, and for Georgia to be the first state to receive this great honor alongside the former U.S. presidents, diplomats, and business icons who have been presented with this award in previous years is a true privilege. On behalf of the Department of Economic Development and all Georgians, we thank The Korea Society and the many Korea-based companies we work with daily to deliver record-breaking job creation and investment as a result of this special relationship.”
“We are entering a new phase of the multifaceted, dynamic relationship between the United States and the Republic of Korea. The Georgia Department of Economic Development and KITA have been an integral force in the flourishing of U.S.-Korea economic ties. Both awardees are serving to enhance trade and investment between the two countries, creating high-paying jobs in American communities and securing supply chains in critical technologies,” said Thomas Byrne, President and CEO of The Korea Society.
According to a press release from Kemp’s office, “To advance statewide business development opportunities, the Georgia Department of Economic Development has fostered international relationships, including with Korea, where the state opened an office in 1985. Today, at least 144 facilities with Korean parent companies operate in the state. For the last three years, Korea has committed to creating more jobs in Georgia than any other country through foreign direct investment. Over the last decade, Korean investment has exceeded $23.6 billion through economic development projects. Total trade reached $13 billion in 2022.”
