Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress, is meeting South Korean business leaders to discuss their Chinese operations and future investment plans on his visit to Seoul this week.

Zhang, who arrived in Seoul on Thursday for a three-day visit, met Hyundai Motor Group chairman Chung Mong-koo and LG Electronics vice chairman Koo Bon-joon.

He, along with the Hyundai chairman, looked at the carmaker’s latest environmentally friendly vehicles, including the Kia K7 Hybrid and the Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell, displayed at its headquarters in southern Seoul.

“I expect Hyundai’s new plants and eco-friendly vehicles produced there to contribute to the two nations’ economic growth,” Chung said during the meeting.

Hyundai Motor and its affiliate Kia Motors are pouring increased resources into the all-important Chinese market ― the world’s largest car market ― as it has introduced the China-only Mingtu sedan and other localized models.

The carmaker also plans to build its fourth and fifth plants in China next year.

On the same day, at LG Electronics’ research and development center Zhang was briefed on the company’s research activities in China and its latest products, including its flagship smartphone G4 and the 77-inch Ultra OLED TV.

“I think innovation is the driving force behind LG’s sustainable growth,” said Zhang. “I hope LG continues to introduce quality products into China, a huge market.”

LG currently operates 14 production units in China and one sales unit in Beijing. 

Zhang was originally planned to see Samsung Electronics’ manufacturing complex in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, Friday, but canceled the visit due to concerns about the Middle East respiratory syndrome.

He planned to meet Samsung vice chairman Lee Jay-yong at the Samsung-affiliated Hotel Shilla on Saturday before his departure. They were expected to discuss future partnership on electronics, mobile, bio and finance sectors.

The Samsung heir apparent has met several Chinese political and business leaders, including President Xi Jinping, in recent years.

By Lee Ji-yoon (jylee@heraldcorp.com)