Global Sae-A Group chief attends inauguration of Costa Rica’s new president

Global Sae-A Group Chairman Kim Woong-ki, left, poses with Costa Rican President Laura Fernández during the chairman’s visit to the country in March. [GLOBAL SAE-A GROUP] Global Sae-A Group Chairman Kim Woong-ki attended the inauguration of Costa Rican President Laura Fernández, reaffirming the group’s strong ties with the Central American country. The ceremony was held in San José on May 8, with Chairman Kim seated among diplomats and specially invited guests from various countries. Related Article Ssangyong E&C reports 3 years of revenue growth following Global Sae-A Group acquisition Sae-A first Korean textile company to receive new int’l sustainable certification Sae-A acquires Swisstex factory, sales arm to bolster North American push President Fernández officially began her four-year term that day, after receiving the sash from her predecessor, Rodrigo Chaves. “It’s especially meaningful to celebrate the start of Costa Rica’s new administration together in the country,” said Chairman Kim. “We will continue to seek opportunities for mutual growth based on the strong trust we have built with the Costa Rican government over the years.” The chairman was officially invited to the inauguration while visiting Costa Rica in March, during which he thanked then-President Chaves for his support for Global Sae-A Group’s businesses in the country and congratulated Fernández on winning the election. Global Sae-A Group has maintained a strong presence in Costa Rica for over a decade, with the country a key hub for the group’s operations in Central America. The group established a subsidiary, Sae-A Spinning, in Costa Rica in 2013, and has since opened additional spinning plants in the country in 2015, 2022 and 2024. It has since invested $200 million in the country, and currently employs around 700 local employees. Ahead of the inauguration ceremony, Chairman Kim also attended a state banquet on May 7, hosted by former President Chaves. Both the incoming and outgoing presidents met with Kim to express appreciation for Global Sae-A Group’s contributions to Costa Rica’s economic growth and job creation, according to the apparel company. The two sides also agreed to further strengthen their longstanding relationship of trust and cooperation. BY LEE TAE-HEE [lee.taehee2@joongang.co.kr]