The American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM, hereafter referred to as AMCHAM) signed a four-party memorandum of understanding (MOU) with YIDO, the number one company in the domestic private road integrated operation management sector, NH Investment & Securities, one of Korea's five major securities firms, and Han River Asset Management, a specialized alternative investment management company in infrastructure and real estate, to support investment and operational settlement in the U.S. infrastructure sector on the 14th.

According to YIDO, the agreement seeks to explore the role of Korean corporations in advancing into the U.S. infrastructure sector, including roads, tunnels, bridges, and power facilities, and to support their stable entry. It also aims to contribute to strengthening South Korea-U.S. cooperation by supporting AMCHAM's 'Buy America' campaign, which encourages the expansion of Korean corporations into the U.S.

On Nov. 13, the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea, YIDO, NH Investment & Securities, and Han River Asset Management held a four-party memorandum of understanding (MOU) agreement ceremony to support investment and operational settlement in the U.S. infrastructure sector. From left: Son Jin, Representative of the Infrastructure Division at Han River Asset Management, James Kim, Chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce, Junghun Choi, CEO of YIDO, and Yoon Hye-young, Deputy Minister of Infrastructure Investment at NH Investment & Securities./Courtesy of YIDO

Currently, the U.S. infrastructure market has high entry barriers, making it difficult to participate in investments and operations. In this regard, AMCHAM plans to support Korean corporations, including YIDO, NH Investment & Securities, and Han River Asset Management, in overcoming these barriers and entering the U.S. infrastructure market sustainably and gradually.

Through this agreement, AMCHAM, YIDO, NH Investment & Securities, and Han River Asset Management plan to collaborate to expand investment and operational opportunities for Korean corporations in infrastructure projects led by the federal government, state governments, and local governments.

Additionally, AMCHAM plans to support YIDO, NH Investment & Securities, Han River Asset Management, and other Korean corporations in directly cooperating with U.S. infrastructure policymakers through the 'K-Doorknock' program to strengthen their networks with major U.S. infrastructure companies.

There is growing interest in the role of Han River Asset Management, which utilizes its New York branch. Han River Asset has focused its overseas investments on real estate in the U.S. and Europe. However, with this agreement, it plans to actively engage in overseas investments in infrastructure sectors such as roads, ports, power facilities, and renewable energy. Currently, Han River Asset has approximately 5 trillion won in assets under management (AUM), and its largest shareholder and founder is CEO Choi Jeong-hun of YIDO.

CEO Choi stated, 'Our company will serve as a bridge that contributes to the entry of domestic investment financial institutions with global competitiveness into the U.S. infrastructure sector through this agreement with AMCHAM.'

James Kim, chairman of AMCHAM, noted, 'This partnership will serve as an important stepping stone for Korean corporations to enter the U.S. infrastructure market,' adding, 'It is expected to expand trade and investment between the two countries, as well as to create jobs, foster innovation, and promote sustainable economic growth.' He further stated, 'AMCHAM will continue to pursue a strategic partnership to strengthen South Korea-U.S. economic cooperation.'

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