Trade minister discusses investment with Dutch, French firms

Trade Minister Cheong In-kyo discussed investment opportunities in South Korea with Dutch and French companies in the biotechnology, chips and automotive sectors, officials said Friday. During his two-day visit to the Netherlands that started Wednesday, Cheong met officials from a Dutch green biotechnology firm planning an investment in South Korea, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. The ministry withheld the name of the company. "We expect the investment cooperation with the company will help South Korea foster the green biotechnology industry as its new growth engine," Cheong said in a statement, noting the project will also help create jobs and export opportunities. The ministry added that Cheong met with officials from Dutch "future car and aviation companies" but did not disclose their names as well. The trade minister continued his trip to Paris later Thursday and met with officials from French companies, including NXP, Renault, Airbus, Thales, Soitec, and OPmobility, to discu ss investment opportunities. During the meetings, Cheong asked NXP and Renault to roll out investments in automotive chips and electric cars, respectively, in South Korea. Source: Yonhap News Agency