South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol bows after giving a speech during a dinner meeting with a group of business executives accompanying him on a state visit to Saudi Arabia, at a hotel in Riyadh on Oct. 23, 2023. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
RIYADH, Oct. 23 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol met Monday with a group of business executives accompanying him on his state visit to Saudi Arabia and renewed his pledge to be a “salesperson” for South Korean companies on the global stage.
During a dinner meeting at a Riyadh hotel, Yoon met with some 180 South Korean businesspeople, including Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Lee Jae-yong, Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung, GS Group Chairman Huh Tae-soo and Hanwha Group Vice Chairman Kim Dong-kwan.
Yoon noted that South Korean and Saudi companies and agencies signed deals and memorandums of understanding worth a total US$15.6 billion on the occasion of his trip, which he said will serve as “precious priming water” for the South Korean economy.
“Meeting all of you, who are working hard to develop new markets even under difficult circumstances, I renew my resolve to run harder as a salesperson,” he said, referring to his portrayal of himself as South Korea’s “No. 1 salesperson.”
“From now on, the government will put all of its effort into making sure our businesses achieve greater results, develop markets and widen the field where they can run freely,” he added.
Yoon recalled that the past success of South Korean businesses in Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East helped South Korea overcome the 1970s energy crisis.
“I believe we can find a breakthrough for the polycrisis our economy is facing through a new Middle East boom,” he said, citing key initiatives under way in Saudi Arabia, namely Vision 2030 and the Neom smart city project.
“Our companies’ extensive participation is needed and wanted, and we, too, believe it should be done in such a manner,” he said, adding the government will provide its active support.
(Yonhap)
