Korean ambassador talks jobs in Austin

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Korean Ambassador to the United States Han Duk-soo is touring the country to urge the ratification of a free trade agreement between the two countries, but discussed expanding some companies which are currently in Austin.

Duk-soo met with several city leaders including Mayor Lee Leffingwell at a luncheon event on Thursday and had conversations about job creation in Texas and more specifically Austin.

“Texas is a trading state,” said Duk-soo. “Korea is the fifth largest recipient of Texas goods and services.”

In Austin, the expansion of Samsung is an idea the mayor and ambassador say should be explored.

“There are about five major Korean companies in Austin,” said Leffingwell. “We look forward to continuing that relationship and talk to them about expanding our businesses here.”

A free trade agreement could create 72,000 jobs nationwide according to the ambassador.