Visiting China with the aim of promoting Korea-China relations and strengthening inter-regional exchanges, Gyeonggi Province Governor Do...
○ Governor Kim meets with Korean students at a restaurant near Tsinghua University on November 2
Governor Dong Yeon Kim met with 32 Korean students, including Tsinghua Korean Student Association President Sung Ho-tae, at a restaurant near Tsinghua University in Beijing, China, on November 2.
Participating in business consultations were 28 businesses from Gyeonggi Province, including Everland Resort and the Korean Folk Village, and 92 businesses from Liaoning Province, including the Liaoning International Travel Agency and the Shenyang Overseas International Travel Agency.
During the consultations, various topics were discussed, including ways to improve Korea-China relations, local currencies, and policies supporting future growth technologies. In response to questions about the importance and direction of private diplomacy for improving Korea-China relations, Governor Kim stated, "We need balanced diplomacy that is not biased towards either side. I hope that diplomacy aligns with the national interests that can define Korea in the international community, encompassing democracy, human rights, free trade, and climate change adaptation."
Addressing questions about future plans for Gyeonggi Province's technology investment, Governor Kim mentioned, "Since taking office, we have established the Future Growth Industries Division and set up six departments focusing on future industries such as semiconductors, biotechnology, and advanced mobility… Gyeonggi Province has various plans, including the establishment of 20 startup hubs like Pangyo, which is at the center of future growth technologies."
Additionally, discussions were held on improving the Korean economy and politics. In response to a question about Gimpo City's incorporation into Seoul, Governor Kim emphasized the importance of establishing the Northern Gyeonggi Special Self-Governing Province.
President Sung Ho-tae, who arranged the meeting, stated, "Many students wanted to have in-depth conversations with the Governor, so we initiated this meeting spontaneously… Thank you for responding to our impromptu request. Your opinions regarding Korea-China relations resonate with us."
Jung Yehyung, who sent a direct message to Governor Kim, stated, "I am serving as a little diplomat while studying here… I organized this event to convey student support to Governor Kim, who is active in China."
○ Governor Kim meets with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng to discuss economic cooperation
During a crucial period for Korea-China cooperation, it is significant that Governor Kim, an economic expert, met with a key figure overseeing the Chinese economy, not only representing Gyeonggi Province but also Korea in discussions on economic issues and strengthened exchanges.
During the meeting, Governor Kim and Vice Premier He exchanged opinions on the role Gyeonggi Province can play in strengthening Korea-China economic cooperation, bilateral economic cooperation measures, and global economic trends.
Governor Kim emphasized, "As Korea-China relations become more challenging, inter-regional exchanges and cooperation among local governments should be strengthened. Gyeonggi Province is the largest province in the Republic of Korea, serving as the center of the overall economy and industry. We will play a more active role in enhancing Korea-China relations."
Vice Premier He Lifeng stated, "China and South Korea have established a cooperative relations in economic fields, overcoming difficulties and moving forward,” adding, “In the past five years, we have faced many unforeseen challenges, but both countries are still cooperating and moving forward together in the fields of the economy and trade."
Vice Premier He added, "I hope that Gyeonggi Province, the center of the Korean economy and industry, will strengthen its economic cooperation with Chinese local governments and further contribute to the development of Korea-China relations. We will actively support this endeavor."
Considering that, in Chinese diplomatic customs, meetings are not arranged unless at the same level of position or authority, Gyeonggi Province explained that this meeting was exceptional, indicating that the personal connection between Governor Kim and Vice Premier He, as well as the developmental potential of Gyeonggi Province, played an integral role in making the meeting possible.
In December 2017, Governor Kim, then Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance of Korea, visited China with Korean President Moon Jae-in and met with the heads of three major economic departments, including the Ministry of Finance of China. Vice Premier He Lifeng, at that time, was in charge of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the central economic planning agency in China. During their meeting, they agreed on the restoration and development of Korea-China economic cooperation through the convening of the Korea-China Economic Ministers Meeting.
Furthermore, they met again at the 15th Korea-China Economic Ministers Meeting held in Beijing in February 2018, where they reached agreements on improving conditions for reciprocal business and financial institution activities, enhancing industrial, investment, and tourism exchanges, and restoring intergovernmental exchange and cooperation channels.
During his visit in February 2018, Governor Kim, as the incumbent Deputy Prime Minister of Korea, delivered a lecture on "Transitioning the Korean Economy Paradigm" at the NDRC for the first time, continuing his connection with Vice Premier He.
Governor Kim concluded his visit to China after meeting with Vice Premier He, completing his four-day, five-night schedule in China and returning to Korea on November 3.
During this visit, Governor Kim held a joint tourism cooperation meeting, the first of its kind between the two provinces, in Shenyang, the provincial capital of Liaoning, and undertook activities to attract tourists. He also participated in the signing of a joint declaration promising strengthened cooperation in the fields of economy, tourism, culture, and human exchanges. Additionally, he met with representatives of Korean companies operating in China, listening to their difficulties and exchanging opinions on measures to enhance bilateral economic cooperation.
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