Anchor: The White House says Samsung Electronics is planning a major investment in the U.S. The Wall Street Journal reported that Samsung is in talks with five U.S. states to build a microwave oven factory. The move comes amid criticism from U.S. President Trump that companies are building abroad for U.S. consumers.
Our Kim In-kyung has more.
 
Report: The Wall Street Journal reports that Samsung Electronics is in talks with five U.S. states to build a new home appliance making facility.
 
The paper said Samsung had initial talks with officials in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, Ohio and South Carolina, noting that South Carolina is seen as the strongest contender.
 
The initial investment of the venture is expected to be 300 million dollars, or around 350 billion won.
 
Experts say the investment will create 500 jobs in the U.S.
 
The White House welcomed the news in a briefing on Wednesday.
 
[Sound bite: White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer (English)]
"Samsung confirmed that it's planning a quote, major investment in U.S. production facilities, correctly citing the president's election as an influence in their decision. The initial investment is expected to reach around 300 million dollars." 
 
Samsung's plan to expand production in the U.S. comes amid fierce prodding by President Trump to bring back jobs to America. 
 
The head of the White House's National Trade Council, Peter Navarro, said on Monday that Samsung and LG are engaging in unfair trade practices to avoid tariffs.
 
Samsung's rival LG Electronics has already signed a memorandum of understanding last month to build a washing machine factory in Tennessee and invest 250 million dollars by 2019.
Kim In-kyung, KBS World Radio News.