International News

Of the many countries that South Carolina has strong business and trade ties, Korean companies have been investing in South Carolina for many decades and continue to make a significant annual impact on the state’s economy.

As World Trade Month continues, S.C. Commerce is committed to not only recruiting foreign-based companies to South Carolina, but to creating opportunities for companies in the state to do business with firms in global markets.

The Richland County community celebrated the grand opening of its newest manufacturer Miwon Specialty Chemical Co. USA on Tuesday. Miwon Specialty Chemical Co. USA’s new 65,000-square-foot-facility – located in Pineview Industrial Park – is the South Korean-based company’s first U.S. manufacturing operation.

Since taking the role of Secretary of Commerce last June, Secretary Harry Lightsey has been crisscrossing the state and meeting with economic development leaders and stakeholders with the mission to create opportunities and increase choices for all South Carolinians.

Commerce Secretary Harry M. Lightsey III had the opportunity to serve as keynote speaker at the 96th annual Maritime Association of South Carolina Gala.

Team South Carolina was on the ground in Mumbai November 25 – 27, showcasing South Carolina’s textile industry at Techtextil India 2021. The event is India’s leading technical textiles trade show and exhibition, also serving as a business matchmaking event for companies looking to grow their business operations. 

In Japanese culture, fostering relationships is vital to build strong business relationships. South Carolina is honored to participate in the Southeast United States-Japan (SEUS-Japan) Association, a business partnership and alliance between southeastern states and Japanese business leaders. The purpose of this alliance is to maintain strong business ties between the United States and Japan, providing open forums for discussion and economic growth and prosperity.

S.C. Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III kicked off the South Carolina Economic Developers’ Association Annual Conference on Hilton Head Island last week with his first address to the organization.

South Carolina knows what drives automotive success. The state’s reputation as an automotive powerhouse began to develop in the mid-1970s when European heavyweights Michelin and Bosch established operations in S.C. Two decades later, BMW joined the state’s business community, transforming the way South Carolina is viewed worldwide. Today, the Palmetto State is a global leader in automotive manufacturing – home to some of the world’s biggest brands.

Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III kicked off a tour of the state’s economic development alliances at the Upstate SC Alliance’s Midyear Meeting on Wednesday, August 25. Leaders from across the 10-county Upstate region convened for updates on the alliance’s activities, economic performance and to network.