SEOUL.- With the goal of fortifying and increasing commercial ties with other countries, Governor Francisco Vega de Lamadrid continues to promote this region in Asia. This time, he met with electronic and livestock companies from Korea, and also discussed establishing direct flights between Tijuana and Seoul.

Governor Vega indicated that it is of vast importance that productive chains collaborate and coordinate so that together they can tackle the obstacles that harm this region's international and regional competitivity. This means tackling problems both in terms of infrastructure as well as fostering good relationships.

The Governor met with Vice President of Operations of Samsung's Display division, Kyujin Joeng y Hyunsuk Kim, who thanked him for regional authorities' support of what the company has to offer, which has resulted in a 10% increase in facilities located in Baja California.

The company projects an investment of 100 million dollars, of which 10 million have already been invested, and creating 1000 jobs over the next few years. This year alone, 200 more were hired and another 300 are in the process of being hired. Additionally, the opportunity to export from Ensenada's port was discussed, and the company is committed to working with Baja's government to create a development and innovation center called "Korean Institute".

During the meeting, export projects that are taking place in the U.S. and Australia were discussed in relation to the export of white goods, televisions, telecommunication devices, and electronics in general. They are specifically attempting to expand production levels in order to be able to export to Europe.

Also present was the Vice President of Samsung's Infrastructure division, where they discussed the new Public-Private Association Law, as well as infastructure projects under Baja California's Strategic Plan. The company will be constructiong a new airport in Seoul, which will be one of the most modern in the world.

Governor Vega also met with the President of JC Food, a company that imports Don Fileto brand food, which is the only Mexican meat brand authorized in South Korea under its phytosanitary laws.

The Governor stated that there is a great similarity between the flavor of Korean food and Mexican food, as well as the two cultures, which is why he is hoping to expand the market in that country and use that as a jumping platform to export to other Asian markets, such as China.

The possibility of opening up a direct flight via Korean Air from Seoul, Korea to Tijuana was also discussed with Ko Kwang Ho, Vicepresident of non-commercial transportation and Jun Geon Park, Vicepresident of Cargo Transporation for Korean Air.

Other international flights have proven quite succesful, and this would be a great addition given that 80 Korean companies operate in the state, and 1,600 operate in Mexico.

He indicated that the project is a great opportunity for Latin America as well, and that with this proposal, commercial and leisure travellers would increase, since those that do not have visas to enter the U.S. can fly directly to Mexico, or Latin American travellers without US visas can fly to Korea via Mexico.

Finally, a visit with SAMJIN, which is known as Comex Platech in Mexico and supplies the automotive and aerospace industry, took place. This company is working on increasing its factory with an investment of one million dollars in addition to actual machinery that will be installed. With this additional infrastructure, the company plans to expand not only in Mexico but throughtout Latin America as well.

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