Bastrop Mayor Ishmael Harris, City Manager Sylvia Carrillo-Trevino and Economic Development Corp. Chairman Gary Blake traveled to South Korea for five days in October. They met with business leaders as the city prepares for growth, officials said.
According to Harris, the delegation met with LG CNS about its K-Bridge initiative, which helps Korean companies explore the U.S. market. The group also met with CHA Biogroup and OrganoidSciences about medical research and a possible regional hospital in Bastrop. Officials visited Seoyon E-Hwa, which operates an auto parts facility in Hutto, and toured Plan M, a modular construction company.
Harris said the meetings were meant to build relationships and explore possibilities. No agreements were signed, and no incentives or development projects were approved. He said local merchants and contractors remain important to the city's development. Any future proposals would be reviewed for their effects on infrastructure, water and wastewater, transportation, the environment and local jobs, he said.