South Korean President Yoon meets with Tesla's Elon Musk

AFP

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol met with Tesla Elon Musk on Wednesday in Washington to call for investment in his country, Yoon's office said.

The two met at Musk's request as Yoon is in the US for a six-day state visit, said Choi Sang-mok,Yoon's senior economic secretary, according to a transcript of a news briefing Choi gave in Washington on Wednesday provided by Yoon's office.

Yoon touted South Korea as an ideal country for Tesla to build a gigafactory, citing the country's cutting-edge industrial robots and high-skilled workers, Choi said.

"(President Yoon) also said he would actively support Tesla in terms of location, human resources and tax if it makes the investment decision," Choi told reporters.

Musk told Yoon that South Korea remains as one of the top candidates for Tesla's Gigafactories, and he would have an opportunity to visit the Asian country, according to Choi.

Tesla and Musk did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

In November, Yoon told Reuters that the country would offer "tailored" incentives and minimise any risks posed by unions to encourage Tesla's investment, days after he had a video call with Musk.

In March this year, Musk announced Tesla will build a new factory in Mexico, which would be its first plant outside of the United States, Germany and China. Canada and Indonesia have also been cited as potential candidates for Tesla's new factory.

More from Business

Coming Up on Dubai Eye

  • The Best of Dubai Eye 103.8

    Noon - 4:00pm

    Hear the highlights from the week gone by on Dubai Eye 103.8. Listen again to the best interviews, advice and the top stories that has gripped our conversation this week.

  • Extra Time At The Weekend

    4:00pm - 7:00pm

    Passionate about sport? Then this is where you belong. Tom Urquhart, Chris McHardy and Robbie Greenfield are joined by an elite team of guests each week to look at all the sporting highlights of the weekend.

BUSINESS BREAKFAST LATEST

On Dubai Eye

  • Is There Sufficient House Supply In UAE

    Dubai’s current population is more than double compared to almost twenty years ago, which now stands at 3.7 million. Lots of families are also moving to the UAE now. So what does it mean for the property market?

  • Noon's First Female Delivery Driver

    Glory Ehirim Nkiruka is Noon’s first ever female delivery driver. In her first ever interview, she explained why she loves her job, despite the heat!