Lynnwood Today: Rep. Larsen hosts round table to discuss Korean relations
By Natalie Covate

Rep. Rick Larsen (D-02) held a round table discussion in Lynnwood on Tuesday with Korean officials and trade experts to determine where Washington and Korea could improve their trade relations.

The question especially resonated in Lynnwood, where 200 of the 3,000 local businesses are owned by Koreans or Korean-Americans. Just last month, the City of Lynnwood agreed to make the Korean city of Damyang its sister city to highlight the relationship between Lynnwood and Korea.

Korean Minister Hohyun Jang and Economic Counselor Choi Jin-won were especially excited to hear about the sister city agreement and the possibility for a foreign exchange student program.

Larsen also said the Korean population is growing in Washington state.

“The strength of our relationship creates jobs on both sides of the Pacific,” Larsen said. “This is a relationship heavily dependent on trade.”

For example, Korea imports a large amount of Washington wine, cherries and blueberries, but those purchasing those products do not necessarily know they are based products. The United States imports Samsung phones, Hyundai cars, tires and energy equipment from Korea.

During the round table, those participating identified aerospace and technology industries as areas where Korea and Washington can further improve their relations.