New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Chairman & CEO of Korean Air Walter Cho, and Chairman & CEO of the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM) James Kim, announced the signing of an agreement to bring new initiatives and investments to New York City. The news came after a meeting between the three leaders which occurred today, Tuesday, October 11th at City Hall. This new initiative will result in Korean Air increasing its work with NYC-certified Minority- Women-Owned Business Enterprises (“M/WBE”) and the creation of internship programs at Korean Air’s offices in Seoul and New York. This agreement also works to create opportunities for M/WBEs to do business in Korea with the assistance of the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea.
“As we continue on the path to economic recovery, there is no better time than now for investing in New York City,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “I’m thrilled that Korean Air and AMCHAM Korea have agreed to invest in New Yorkers and our M/WBEs, I look forward to the incredible economic impact this collaboration will generate across the five boroughs.”
“From Sunnyside to Seoul, New York City’s diverse small businesses stand out on the global stage. By committing to work with minority and women-owned business enterprises, Korean Air and AMCHAM Korea are building a pipeline of opportunity that we in New York City are proud to support,” said Kevin D. Kim, Commissioner of the Department of Small Business Services. “SBS is ready to leverage further opportunities to connect global corporations with the robust network of M/WBEs across the five boroughs.”
“New York City is a global city and the ideal place for international investments. We are creating an ecosystem that allows people and businesses to thrive,” said Edward Mermelstein, commissioner of NYC Mayor’s Office for International Affairs. “I applaud the commitments by Korean Air and AMCHAM Korea because they will strengthen the skills of New Yorkers while also opening a strong pipeline of opportunities for M/WBEs. This work is a great example of the positive impact international businesses can have on our city, and we welcome more engagements that enable us to create good jobs across the five boroughs and make our economy even stronger.”
“Korean Air is proud to be working with New York City and AMCHAM Korea to support New York-based minority and women-owned businesses to enter the Korean market and internships in New York and Seoul. Korean Air understands that small opportunities can grow into important contributions, and we are looking forward to this historic project. We are glad to help enhance opportunities in a city that we have been serving for more than 40 years,” said Walter Cho, Chairman & CEO of Korean Air.
“This partnership will be a true win-win-win partnership and picture-perfect scenario for championing numerous collaboration efforts amongst the three parties,” said AMCHAM Chairman & CEO James Kim. “One of AMCHAM’s top missions is to assist SMEs from Korea to do more business in the U.S. and vice versa. I strongly believe that New York City is an ideal starting point.” He added, “AMCHAM has established the American Business Center (ABC) to assist U.S.-based SMEs to find business opportunities in Korea. We will continue to help encourage Korean companies to invest in New York City,”