The first accord of its kind between a tribal government and the Republic of Korea is intended to help nurture new business and cultural opportunities.
LOS ANGELES – Officials with the Republic of Korea and the Morongo Band of Mission Indians signed a historic agreement aimed at promoting economic development and job creation during a ceremony on Wednesday, May 18.
The agreement is believed to be the first of its kind between the Republic of Korea and a Native American government. It was signed at the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) in Los Angeles.
“As a leading employer, Morongo is committed to improving the regional economy through new trade, investment and business opportunities,” Morongo Tribal Chairman Robert Martin said. “Through this historic government-to-government agreement, we look forward to working cooperatively with KOTRA for the benefit of all.”
The accord provides a framework for the two governments to explore mutually beneficial economic development projects that could bring new jobs and investment to the region.
“This agreement opens a world of possibilities and we look forward to working with the Morongo Band of Mission Indians to explore cross-enterprise and business opportunities that would provide mutual benefits,” said Oh Suk Kwon, director general of KOTRA Los Angeles.
KOTRA LA and Morongo initially will focus on specific industry sectors including hospitality, culture, entertainment, retail, commercial, green technology, transportation and construction.
About KOTRA: KOTRA (Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency) is a non-profit, governmental agency of the Republic of Korea that is committed to promoting international trade and investment. KOTRA Los Angeles KBC (Korean Business Center), as part of KOTRA’s worldwide network of over 125 offices in 85 countries, offers a wide variety of initiatives to support U.S. clients.
About the Morongo Band of Mission Indians: The Morongo Band of Mission Indians is a federally recognized American Indian tribe located in Cabazon, CA. As a sovereign nation, the Morongo government establishes tribal policy and operates numerous departments that provide fire, public safety, environmental, educational, cultural, healthcare and public works services to tribal members and residents of the 35,000-acre Morongo Indian Reservation. Morongo employs nearly 3,000 people and generates nearly $3 billion in regional economic activity across a diverse portfolio of business enterprises in gaming, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, hospitality, tourism, dining and recreation. The tribe owns and operates the 27-story Morongo Casino Resort & Spa – the tallest building in Riverside County.
