Yoon meets with Apple CEO Tim Cook, GM VP Shilpan Amin

President Yoon Suk Yeol, right, and Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook shake hands. [Photo by Lee Seung-hwan]

During his visit to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in the United States, President Yoon Suk Yeol met with Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook and Shilpan Amin, Senior VP/President International at General Motors Co. on Tuesday. The talks aimed at exploring avenues for increased investment in South Korea and fostering collaboration in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector.

On November 15, the meeting between Yoon and Apple’s CEO ran for 30 minutes at Cook’s request.

“Cook conveyed the special significance Korea holds for him, with his father being a Korean War veteran, and expressed a deep affection for the country,” Choi Sang-mok, senior presidential secretary for economic affairs at the presidential office, said. “He acknowledged that Apple owes its current position, in part, to the support of Korean partners and the government, highlighting that Apple has engaged in deals exceeding $100 billion with Korean companies over the past five years.”

Choi added that Yoon expressed gratitude for Cook’s father’s service and dedication during the Korean War. Yoon urged Apple to continue expanding partnerships with Korean companies possessing world-class technology and capabilities.

GM, a major North American automaker with a presence in Korea, also expressed its intent to boost production in the country.

“Amin conveyed confidence in Korea’s regulatory reforms and institutional enhancements that are aligning with global standards. He committed to increasing production in Korea, citing the fruitful partnership developed over the past 30 years,” Choi said.

Accompanied by Amin, Visa Chairman Alfred Kelly underscored the company’s close collaboration with Korea. He expressed anticipation for ongoing efforts to digitize financial access, particularly for small businesses.