AMCHAM Holds Its First Press Conference

'If the Korean people and the government think it's no big deal, just put it into the garbage can. But just consider that we only want a better situation for operating businesses whether they are Korean or not.'
There was an official press conference by the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea(AMCHAM) on March 25 at Hyatt Hotel. It was the first such conference by the organization to be held in its 45 years of existence. Intense media attention has developed since the United States started applying increased trade pressure on Korea. The the organization is regarded as the spokesperson for the U.S. business sector.
Surprisingly, the 70 people attending the conference did not exude hostility considering the U.S. governments unilateral use of Super 301 trade article and other proposed trade sanctions against Korea.
Chairman Jeffrey Jones, who speaks fluent Korean, stated, 'We are now holding an official news conference for the first time in our organization's history. Acting in concert with Korea, which is struggling under massive restructuring and layoffs, our organization has also undergone a big change.'
He emphasized that AMCHAM will be altered from America's one-sided representative to a partner of Korea. so the two can benefit from mutual cooperation.
He asserted, 'While it is true that former chairmen were unwilling to have direct contact with the Korean press, it will be different from now on.'
Mr. Jones stressed that unfair discrimination on imported cars should end, and patent and copyright laws must be strictly observed.
Hwashik Bong : trojans@joongang.co.kr