The Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) is assisting domestic companies in entering the expanding U.S. public works market ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles (LA) Olympics. The focus is on addressing complex procurement procedures and the lack of local networks amid increasing investments in transportation, energy, and urban infrastructure.
KOTRA announced on October 21 that it will hold an online briefing titled 'Public Works Entry Strategy Utilizing the LA Olympics' on the 28th. The LA City Public Works Commission and the local procurement support organization, the Asia-Pacific Consortium (PACE), will participate as speakers.
The briefing will cover the structure of public works contracts in LA, procurement procedures, and ways to collaborate with local companies. Last month, KOTRA also published a report on 'Entry Strategies for Our Companies Amid the Special Opportunities of the 2028 LA Olympics and the Restructuring of the U.S. Construction Infrastructure Supply Chain.'
In preparation for the Olympics, LA is pursuing a 'car-free Olympics' initiative, focusing on improving public transportation infrastructure and urban environments. New business opportunities are also expected in the digital sector, including e-government and online sports management services.
The LA County Department of Transportation is investing approximately $20 billion in transportation network improvement projects ahead of the 2028 Olympics, including 28 projects that involve dedicated bus lanes, pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, and major station upgrades.
Federal support is also ongoing. In February, the U.S. Congress approved a budget of $94.3 million for transportation support related to the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics. This budget will be used for temporary bus facilities, major station improvements, and the design of pedestrian infrastructure.
KOTRA is also working to connect domestic companies with qualified Korean firms for local procurement, aiming to lower entry barriers by forming consortia with local partners.
Steve Kang, chair of the LA City Public Works Commission, stated, "Various projects are being pursued to improve urban infrastructure and enhance public services ahead of the 2028 Olympics. We hope Korean companies will expand their collaborative relationships with local firms."
Lee Geum-ha, head of KOTRA's North America headquarters, remarked, "With the Olympics and increased infrastructure investment, opportunities in the U.S. public works market are growing. We will support Korean companies in translating their technological capabilities into actual contracts."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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