○ Gyeonggi Province Governor Dong Yeon Kim met with Arizona State Governor Katie Hobbs on September 22 to discuss inter-regional cooperat...
- Affirmed that Korea and the U.S. share common ground as advanced industry centers
- Initiated discussions on collaboration in future growth industries between Gyeonggi and Arizona
○ Governor Kim stated, "We will develop economic cooperation based on an innovation alliance with Arizona." Governor Hobbs expressed her expectations for increased economic cooperation and trade relations, emphasizing a shared focus on innovation and advanced industries.
Gyeonggi Province Governor Dong Yeon Kim and Arizona State Governor Katie Hobbs met on September 22, exchanging opinions on advanced industries – such as semiconductors as mobility – as well as on initiatives for youths.
During the meeting held at the Seoul Finance Center, Governor Kim said, "Gyeonggi Province is the largest local autonomy in Korea in terms of population and economic scale, with 64% of semiconductor companies [operating in Korea are] located here as well as advanced industries such as batteries and mobility. Based on an Arizona-Korea innovation alliance, we can further strengthen economic cooperation." He also proposed collaboration on initiatives for youths, seeking to foster exchanges with leading universities in Arizona.
Governor Katie Hobbs responded that is was an honor to meet Governor Kim and discuss opportunities for economic cooperation between the two regions. She also voiced anticipation for exploring ways to build on a shared focus on fostering innovative and advanced industries so as to enhance economic cooperation and trade relations.
Furthermore, when Governor Kim extended an invitation for future visits to Korea, he expressed a desire to showcase the blend of tradition and modernity in Suwon and Pangyo Techno Valley, often referred to as Korea's “Silicon Valley.” Governor Hobbs welcomed the proposal and expressed her expectations for further developing the relationship.
Despite their busy schedules, Governor Hobbs and Governor Kim met for over an hour, engaging friendly and cooperative discussions.
Notably, during her visit to Korea, Governor Hobbs also met with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and a number of business leaders to discuss collaboration opportunities. Among elected Korean politicians, she only met with Governor Kim, who was also the only elected Korean politician to meet with Florida State Governor Ron DeSantis during his visit to Korea in April.
Arizona, located in the southwestern desert region of the United States, has been gaining recognition as the "Silicon Desert," reminiscent of California's Silicon Valley. Cities in Arizona such as Phoenix, Tucson, and Glendale have become innovation clusters with concentrations of technology companies, leading research in advanced industries like semiconductors, AI, and IT. Arizona is actively promoting regional economic revitalization through initiatives such as low tax rates and regulatory simplification.
Gyeonggi Province shares common ground with Arizona as a hub for advanced industries like semiconductors and secondary batteries. Both regions are focusing on the development of innovative technologies, and they plan to establish a new exchange relationship. Starting with this meeting, they aim to build economic cooperation based on their respective regional strengths and expect to create synergy through an innovation alliance.
Since taking office, Governor Kim has been actively enhancing cooperation and exchange with U.S. governors. He has prioritized the strengthening of innovation alliances in strategic industries, focusing on areas such as eco-friendly mobility, renewable energy, semiconductors, and AI.
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