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한덕수 대사, 기아자동차 조지아 공장 준공 축하
날짜 : 03/05/2010
한덕수 주미 대사는 2월 26일 미국 조지아주 웨스트포인트시(市)에서 열린 ‘기아자동차 조지아 공장(KMMG)’ 준공식에 참석, 축사를 통해 “ 기아자동차는 짧은 역사에도 불구하고 양과 질 측면 모두에서 세계 일류 자동차회사의 하나가 되었다”고 말했습니다.
한 대사는 “무역과 투자의 자유로운 흐름이 계속 확대될 때, 오늘 우리가 축하를 하는 것처럼 미국에서의 외국 투자가 증가할 것”이며 “외국 투자는 미국의 국내 고용을 증대하고 경제 성장을 자극할 것”이라고 언급했습니다.
그는 “미 의회에 계류중인 한미자유무역협정은 미국 노동자ㆍ농민ㆍ기업인들을 위해 한국 시장을 개방하는 기회를 제공하고 한국 기업들과 소비자들은 미국이 제공하는 경쟁의 증가로 이익을 볼 수 있다”면서 “이 협정이 양국에 상호 이익이 된다는 것은 분명하다”고 강조했습니다.
다음은 한 덕수 대사의 축사 영어 전문입니다.
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His Excellency Han Duk-soo’s Congratulatory Remarks
Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia Grand Opening Ceremony
West Point, Georgia
February 26, 2010
Governor Perdue, Chairman Chung, (Senator Chambliss, Congressman Westmoreland) and Distinguished Guests:
I am delighted to be here to congratulate you on the opening of Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, Kia’s first plant in the United States.
Despite its short history in the global auto industry, Kia Motors has become one of the world’s top automakers in terms of quality and quantity. This success owes largely to Chairman Chung’s bold and innovative leadership which focuses on quality improvements.
Kia’s recent rapid growth led Kia Motors to fulfill its long-time desire to open a manufacturing plant in the United States.
Georgia’s strategic location at the heart of the Southeast Auto Corridor, the dedicated efforts of the Governor and members from Georgia of both Chambers of Congress, and the skilled workforce in Georgia led Kia to make West Point its American home.
Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia does not merely produce cars. It produces jobs, too. This plant employs about 1,200 American workers and its finished products are sold by dealerships that employ approximately 27,000 people across the United States.
When this plant adds a second shift, it will have created as many as 3,500 jobs, making Kia North America the top automotive-related employer in Georgia.
Furthermore, more than 20,000 jobs and 1,400 business firms could be created in the nine counties near this plant, according to a Georgia Tech study.
Jobs are not the only benefit that Kia will bring here. This plant is a key asset that will attract more international residents and maintain a globally-favorable business environment. Through Kia’s success here, Georgia will be able to attract more foreign investments, and propel itself to the forefront of the U.S. drive toward economic recovery.
There is one thing I want to emphasize on this occasion. This plant and the jobs it provides serve as a testament to the benefits of free trade and investment flow.
There are those who believe the free flow of trade and investment leads to the off-shoring of jobs and to domestic unemployment. The 1,200, and eventually 3,500, skilled workers who will work here stand as clear evidence that this belief is far from the truth.
As the free flow of trade and investment continues to expand, foreign investments in the U.S., like the one we are celebrating today, will continue to grow. They will increase domestic employment and thus stimulate economic growth.
The Korea-US Free Trade Agreement, which is pending approval by the US Congress, ensures a free flow of trade and investment between our two countries. It represents an unprecedented opportunity to open the Korean market for American workers, farmers and businesses.
This will increase jobs in crucial US sectors. A U.S. Chamber of Commerce found that it could create as many as 240,000 jobs nationwide.
At the same time, Korean businesses and consumers will benefit from the increased competition provided by the United States. It is clear that this agreement is mutually beneficial to both economies. With your support, we will surely be able to move ahead.
On the drive here, I saw the sign in Annie Davidson’s yard, which reads, “Thank you Jesus for Bringing Kia to Our Town.” We hope that sign stays there for many years to come and that Kia’s presence here will bring prosperity to West Point and the region for a very long time.
Thank you.
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