○ Gave a presentation at the South Korea-Russia Economic Forum held on December 9
○ Discussed ways of collaboration with the local leaders of Russian Far East, including the Maritime Province of Siberia and Khabarovsk
○ Efforts for the expansion of synergistic effects from the combination of resources in Russia and the technological prowess of businesses in Gyeonggi Province

Governor Nam Kyung-pil proposed economic collaboration and enhanced partnership to the local leaders of seven provinces in Russian Far East, including the Maritime Province of Siberia, Kamchatka, Sakhalin, Magadan, Sakha Republic, Amur, and Khabarovsk.

“Russian Far East has ample resources and infinite market potential and boasts of solid basic science, whereas Gyeonggi Province has accumulated experience in economic development, excelling in applied science, capital, and sophisticated technological prowess. We can be effective partners through mutual collaboration. Why don’t we form a roundtable participated in by those interested in the mutual growth of the two regions, including scholars and business people?” Governor Nam Kyung-pil said in his presentation titled Collaboration between Gyeonggi Province and Russian Far East, given at the South Korea-Russia Economic Forum held at Lotte Hotel Seoul on December 9. 

Governor Nam Kyung-pil noted that, so far, exchanges between Gyeonggi Province and Russian Far East have been made in only a few sectors like health and medical service. “It will be a good thing if we share a future vision and start building the future together,” he added.

The forum was attended by local leaders of said Russian provinces, including Mr. Yuri Trutnev, vice premier and presidential envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District, and governors of the seven provinces. Korean luminaries who attended the form included Gangwon Governor Choi Moon-soon and Chairman & CEO Han Duck-soo of the Korea International Trade Association (KITA). Governor Nam Kyung-pil had lunch together with the participants and discussed ways of mutual collaboration.

Russian Far East accounts for about 36% of the Russian territory and has ample resources like gas, oil, and coal. The launch of the Ministry for the Development of Russian Far East shows the Russian government’s will to develop the far eastern region.

The Gyeonggi Province signed an agreement for economic collaboration and promotion of friendly relations with the Maritime Province of Siberia in August this year. Under the agreement, the office provided support for the establishment of a factory processing organic beans and invited a Russian medical service delegation.

The South Korea-Russia Economic Forum is an event co-hosted by KITA and Office of the Russian Trade Representative.