This week on the ITC Tax Podcast, the conversation comes live from the second day of the SelectUSA Investment Summit, where Mark Dzeda, and Colin YOON, share practical guidance for Korean and other Asian companies preparing to invest in the United States. Drawing on a long career in tax, Mark explains why the most valuable moment in any expansion happens before the public announcement, when a company still holds maximum leverage to negotiate with counties, states, and municipalities.

Mark walks through how site selection shapes the long-term cost of a facility, and why working closely with economic development foundations can open doors to better terms. He also offers a candid caution: never over-promise or under-deliver. Committing to terms you cannot meet can trigger fallback provisions and undercut the value of any deal you sign.

For foreign investors worried about dealing with American tax offices, Mark offers reassurance. The government offices that bring companies in tend to be genuinely welcoming, and many states actively compete for investment and jobs. The key, he says, is being upfront from the start and recognizing that locating in the States is also a commitment to be a good corporate citizen.

Key Takeaways

● Your strongest negotiating position exists before you announce your investment. Once you commit publicly, you lose the leverage to negotiate better terms with counties, states, and municipalities.

● Site selection is critical. Where you ultimately place a facility shapes its long-term tax and operating costs, so evaluate locations carefully before deciding.

● Work closely with economic development foundations and the officials responsible for attracting investment and jobs. They are eager to partner with incoming companies.

● Avoid over-promising or under-delivering. Locking yourself into terms you cannot realistically meet can trigger fallback provisions you are obligated to satisfy.

● American tax offices and government bodies are generally friendly to foreign investors, though some states operate in a more business-like manner than others.

● States and localities such as Texas, Williamson County, Georgia, and Alabama actively court Korean and Asian investment because they value the jobs and resources these companies bring.

● Signing a contract to locate in the States is also a commitment to be a good corporate citizen, so transparency with local authorities matters.

Timestamps

00:00 - Live from the SelectUSA Investment Summit

00:55 - Why Leverage Matters Before You Commit

01:46 - Are American Tax Offices Friendly to Foreign Investors

02:07 - Which States Compete Hardest for Asian Investment

02:58 - Final Takeaways for Korean and Asian Investors

Connect

● ITC Tax: https://www.itctax.com

●Colin YOON: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-yoon-3523b47/

● Mark Dzeda, Founder & CEO, KPMG: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdzeda/

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