OPINION:
When South Korea’s Hyundai Motor Group announced a monumental $21 billion investment in the United States, it wasn’t just a headline; it was also a declaration. America is open for business, and under President Trump’s leadership and South Korea’s partnership, the South is roaring back to life.
At the heart of that investment is Louisiana’s $5.8 billion steel plant, which will create 1,400 well-paying jobs and supply steel for Hyundai’s cutting-edge $7.6 billion electric and hybrid Metaplant in Georgia. These are not just business deals; they are also blue-collar victories for American workers and their families.
Let’s be clear: These are jobs for Louisiana welders, pipefitters, engineers and machinists. These are paychecks that support families from Baton Rouge to New Orleans. This is about our people building our future.
This is not South Korea’s first show of faith in Louisiana. In 2016, the South Korean petrochemical company Lotte invested $1.9 billion in an ethane cracker facility and $1.1 billion in a monoethylene glycol manufacturing plant. That $3 billion investment in Lake Charles built state-of-the-art facilities and employed hundreds of skilled Louisianans.
Now, thanks to a historic trade agreement signed by Mr. Trump, we are seeing $350 billion in South Korean investment across the United States, and Louisiana is ready to lead the way again. When it comes to energy, manufacturing and national defense, there is no better place to invest than the Bayou State.
Let’s not kid ourselves: China’s shipyards are cranking out more naval and commercial ships than any other country, and the People’s Liberation Army Navy is now the largest by ship count. That is a direct challenge to American security and one we cannot afford to ignore.
Here is where Louisiana steps up.
We have the third-largest shipbuilding capacity in the United States and a proud legacy of building the vessels that defend our shores. Now, paired with South Korea’s world-class shipbuilding expertise, we are ready to help restore American maritime dominance. Together, we can rebuild the American fleet, reduce critical maintenance backlogs and keep China in check.
Just look at Pennsylvania, where South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean Co. is investing $100 million in the Philly Shipyard to help clear a $1.8 billion maintenance backlog. That kind of partnership works, and it’s exactly what Louisiana is built for.
From steel to ships, petrochemicals to ports, Louisiana has the workforce, the expertise and the drive to turn global investment into American strength.
As governor of Louisiana, I thank Mr. Trump for recognizing the importance of the U.S.-Korea relationship. I thank our South Korean partners for their trust. Together, we are building a future rooted in American jobs, American industry and American freedom.
To our Korean allies: Keep investing in Louisiana. You will find loyal partners, hard workers and unmatched opportunity. Let’s get to work!
• Jeff Landry is the governor of Louisiana.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.