PHOENIX, AZ (August 10, 2026) – With surging economic momentum and record foreign direct investment, the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) in partnership with the City of Peoria, Amkor, GPEC, and Opus, will lead an economic development delegation visit to the Republic of Korea on August 12-August 14, 2026.  

 

During the visit, the delegation will meet with leaders across government, business, and academia sectors, as well as visiting Amkor Technology Korea. Construction of Amkor Technology’s $7 billion advanced packaging and testing facility in Peoria is underway and on track to be completed in early 2028. The facility will become the first high‑volume advanced packaging OSAT facility in the U.S., creating up to 3,000 new jobs.  

 

The visit also includes meetings with government leaders from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy, as well as the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT), Korea Trade‑Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), and the Korea Semiconductor Industry Association (KSIA). The ACA will also host an Arizona Forum, showcasing the state’s premier business and investment strengths. 

 

“This delegation visit will further strengthen Arizona’s growing partnership with the Republic of Korea, one of our fastest‑growing and most important trade relationships,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “Arizona’s collaboration with Korean industry and government partners continues to accelerate major investments, innovation, and advanced manufacturing opportunities across our state. We look forward to strengthening these ties and are grateful to our Arizona delegation partners for their leadership and support.” 

 

“Amkor's history in Korea and our significant investment in Arizona give us a unique perspective on the value of international collaboration,” said Kevin Engel, President and Chief Executive Officer, Amkor Technology, Inc. “This delegation highlights the strong partnership between Arizona and the Republic of Korea and the important role it plays in advancing semiconductor innovation, attracting investment, and strengthening supply chain resilience. We look forward to continuing to work alongside our partners to support the growth of Arizona's semiconductor ecosystem and reinforce America's leadership in advanced manufacturing.” 

 

“This visit is an important opportunity to strengthen the relationships that are driving Peoria’s economic future,” said City of Peoria Vice Mayor Michael Finn. “As Amkor’s historic investment continues to take shape in Peoria, we’re committed to fostering lasting partnerships with local, regional, and international partners to create new opportunities for innovation, workforce development, and future investment. I look forward to representing our community and reinforcing that Peoria is a premier destination for advanced manufacturing and global business.” 

 

In 2025, total trade between Arizona and Korea exceeded $2.33 billion and has grown over 160% since 2021.  

In 2023, Arizona opened a Trade and Investment Office in Seoul, South Korea. The office serves as a platform to expand trade, investment, and economic collaboration between Arizona and the Republic of Korea.  

Media Contact

Alyssa Tufts, Arizona Commerce Authority, alyssat@azcommerce.com

About the Arizona Commerce Authority
The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state's leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona's economy. The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: attract, expand, create - attract out-of-state companies to establish operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to expand their business in Arizona and beyond; and help entrepreneurs create new Arizona businesses in targeted industries. For more information, please visit azcommerce.com and follow the ACA on X @azcommerce.