Claire Osborn Austin American-Statesman
Williamson County and Yongin City in South Korea, both sites of Samsung factories, have formed a partnership, officials said.
“The agreement, approved by the Commissioners Court on July 2, will establish a relationship for stronger, friendly cooperation and mutual prosperity between the two communities,” according to a news release from Williamson County.
It said County Judge Bill Gravell traveled to South Korea to sign the sister city agreement Sept. 28.
“This partnership will open up many avenues for exchanging ideas between residents, businesses and students,” Gravell said in the release. “Imagine having Williamson County students participate in an exchange program with Yongin Special City, and students from Korea coming here. We can learn much from each other.”
“Special” cities in South Korea have a population of 1 million or more.
The South Korean government has designated Yongin City as the Next Generation Semiconductor hub with investments of more than $460 billion by the government, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, the release said.
Mayor Lee Sang-il, mayor of Yongin Special City, will travel to Williamson County in January for a special visit, the release said.
Williamson County has become a destination for South Korean companies since Samsung announced it was building its newest semiconductor manufacturing facility in Taylor, according to the release. It said the county now has more than seven Korean businesses.
Members of the Williamson County Economic Development Partnership, who traveled with Gravell to South Korea, met with 36 companies and governmental agencies, including the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, the release said.
The results of the trip include 13 solid leads on companies interested in locating in Williamson County, officials said.
“The Williamson County EDP has forged a strong connection between the county and South Korean businesses,” Dave Porter, executive director of the Williamson County Economic Development Partnership, said in the release. “We have an office in Seoul to assist Korean businesses with getting information on how to expand in Williamson County, Texas. This brings good paying jobs to the county.”
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