News – Gyeonggi Global

Gyeonggi International Webtoon Fair Achieves Record-High USD 22.8 Million in Export Consultations

2026-10-08T06:59:15Z

○ Fair draws 128 companies from 13 countries and generates export consultations valued at USD 22.8 million, up 23.2% from USD 18.5 million the previous year
○ Event adopts a B2B focus for the first time, expanding global exchanges through the Global Webtoon Seminar and the World Comics and Webtoon Critics Conference
Gyeonggi Province achieved a record USD 22.8 million in export consultations at the 2026 Gyeonggi International Webtoon Fair after adopting a business-to-business (B2B) focus this year to expand opportunities for concrete business cooperation.
Held at the Bucheon Webtoon Complex Center from September 17 to 18 in partnership with the Gyeonggi Content Agency, the fair brought together 128 companies from 13 countries. Participants held 609 business consultations, with export consultations worth USD 22.8 million. This represented a 23.2% increase from the USD 18.5 million recorded at the previous year’s fair.
This year, the province minimized consumer-facing (B2C) programming and reorganized around B2B, strengthening support for the overseas expansion of Korean webtoon companies. During the business consultation sessions, Korean and international webtoon companies and buyers held one-on-one meetings covering areas such as the export and distribution of webtoon intellectual property, co-production, and investment. Participating companies discussed concrete opportunities for cooperation, including entry into overseas markets, content distribution, and joint projects.
Alongside business exchanges among industry stakeholders, the event featured the Global Webtoon Seminar and the World Comics and Webtoon Critics Conference, providing a platform for international exchange across creation, critique, and the broader webtoon industry.
At the Global Webtoon Seminar on September 17, experts delivered presentations and participated in discussions on the Japanese manga industry’s hit-making system, the opportunities and challenges facing Korean webtoons from the perspective of the Japanese market, and strategies for expanding Korean webtoon intellectual property overseas.
Eigen Matsui, a former editor-in-chief at Shueisha, a specialized Japanese publisher of manga and entertainment content, introduced the system through which Weekly Shonen Jump has discovered popular works for more than 40 years. Takeshi Kikuchi, director of the Manga Research Institute, discussed the opportunities and challenges facing Korean webtoons from the perspective of the Japanese market. Kang Tae-jin, CEO of Conist, shared case studies and relevant data on the global expansion of Korean webtoon intellectual property.
The World Comics and Webtoon Critics Conference, held on September 18, brought together comics and webtoon experts from Korea and other countries, including the United States, Japan, and France. Participants discussed the potential links between comic literacy—the ability to read and understand comics—and the webtoon industry. They also explored the cultural value of comics and webtoons and discussed future directions for industry development.
Gyeonggi Province previously held a Global Webtoon Seminar in Tokyo on August 26, continuing its B2B engagement with companies in overseas markets. A total of 46 Korean and Japanese webtoon companies took part in the Tokyo event, where they shared industry trends and overseas expansion strategies. Of these, 12 Korean companies and 14 Japanese companies also joined business consultation sessions.

Gyeonggi Province Conducts Interim Review of Survey on Racial Discrimination Against Residents with Migrant Backgrounds, Developing Future Policy Measures

2026-10-08T06:54:08Z

○ Survey covers 609 long-term foreign residents and naturalized citizens living in Gyeonggi Province
○ Participants discuss discrimination in daily life and public services, as well as related policy needs
○ In-depth interviews to inform measures for preventing discrimination and protecting rights
On September 18, Gyeonggi Province held an interim briefing to review the findings of its survey on racial discrimination against residents with migrant backgrounds and discuss future policy directions. The briefing took place at the Gyeonggi Migrant Integration Support Center.
The study is being conducted under the “Gyeonggi Province Ordinance on the Prohibition of Racial Discrimination and the Protection of Human Rights for Residents with Migrant Backgrounds,” the first ordinance of its kind enacted by a local government in Korea. The Gyeonggi Migrant Integration Support Center is overseeing the study.
The survey covered 609 long-term foreign residents and naturalized citizens aged 19 or older who live in the province. Based on the findings, the research team analyzed differences in experiences of discrimination according to respondents’ characteristics.
The briefing was attended by Gyeonggi officials, representatives of the Gyeonggi Migrant Integration Support Center, members of the joint research team, and experts in related fields. Participants discussed how residents with migrant backgrounds perceive racial discrimination and the difficulties they face in daily life and in institutional settings, their experiences of discrimination when using public services, and the policies needed to raise awareness and strengthen institutional protections.
In particular, participants noted that individual factors—such as Korean language proficiency, residency status, income, and nationality—cannot fully explain experiences of discrimination. They emphasized the need to examine the broader social and institutional factors that contribute to such experiences.
Yoon Hyun-ok, Director of Gyeonggi Province’s Immigrant Society Policy Division, stated, “We are currently conducting in-depth interviews to better understand the difficulties that residents with migrant backgrounds encounter in their daily lives and the factors behind them,” adding, “Based on the survey findings, we will develop policies that provide comprehensive support—from prevention and counseling to reporting and redress—as well as practical field manuals for preventing and responding to racial discrimination.”

Gyeonggi Governor Choo and Île-de-France President Pécresse Discuss Expanded Cooperation

2026-10-08T06:51:50Z

○ Gyeonggi Province Governor Mi Ae Choo meets Île-de-France Region President Valérie Pécresse on September 16
○ Two regions discuss stronger ties in advanced industries, startups, future mobility, and other fields as they mark 10 years of friendship and cooperation
○ Joint action plan signed to promote sustained exchanges and cooperation
On September 16, Gyeonggi Province Governor Mi Ae Choo met with Valérie Pécresse, president of France’s Île-de-France Region, at Dodamso (former gubernatorial residence) to discuss expanding exchanges and strengthening cooperation between the two regions.
The meeting marked the 10th anniversary of the friendship and cooperation relationship between Gyeonggi Province and the Île-de-France Region in 2016. As the capital regions of their respective countries, Gyeonggi and Île-de-France share many similarities and have strong potential for cooperation across various fields.
During the meeting, the two sides signed a joint action plan that sets out future directions for cooperation based on the relationship built over the past decade. The action plan covers economic cooperation; science, technology, and innovation; youth and education; sustainable development and transportation; tourism and culture; and international cooperation.
Governor Choo said, “Gyeonggi Province and the Île-de-France Region are both capital regions that play leading roles in their countries’ economies, industries, science and technology. Given our similar scale and circumstances, we can readily apply lessons from each other’s policy experience, making us ideal partners.” She added, “Building on the trust we have developed over the past decade, I hope our two regions will forge an even stronger partnership. In particular, I look forward to connecting our respective strengths to achieve tangible cooperation in artificial intelligence, startups, and mobility.”
President Pécresse said, “Gyeonggi Province and the Île-de-France Region are leading innovation hubs in their respective countries, South Korea and France,” adding, “This joint action plan reflects our shared commitment to turning the strengths of our two regions into concrete joint projects and deepening our strategic cooperation. Through these efforts, we will create new opportunities for businesses, researchers, and innovators.”
The two sides also discussed potential cooperation in fields in which both regions have significant strengths, including AI, advanced industries, startups, and future mobility.
Gyeonggi is equipped with an AI, digital, and startup ecosystem centered around Pangyo Techno Valley. It is also expanding its semiconductor industry ecosystem, particularly in the cities of Yongin and Pyeongtaek. Meanwhile, Île-de-France is one of Europe’s leading research and innovation hubs, accounting for approximately 40% of all R&D conducted in France. The region is home to major universities, research institutes, and global companies, including organizations based in the Paris-Saclay science and technology innovation cluster.
The two sides agreed to expand support for companies entering each other’s markets through exchanges among businesses and research institutes, as well as participation in major innovation events. They also agreed to share experience and policies in future mobility, including public transportation, autonomous driving, hydrogen vehicles, and AI-based traffic management.
Gyeonggi Province and the Île-de-France Region have cooperated in fields including startups, science, and technology since establishing their friendship and cooperation relationship in November 2016. In particular, the two regions have worked to connect their innovation ecosystems by supporting Gyeonggi-based companies’ participation in the technology exhibition VivaTech and promoting science and technology exchanges with Paris-Saclay.
During the visit, President Pécresse and her delegation visited the Temporary Palace at Hwaseong Fortress and the Gyeonggi Library. They also toured sites showcasing Gyeonggi’s history, culture, and emerging industries, including an autonomous vehicle demonstration at the Smart City Integration Center in Anyang. The Île-de-France regional government also donated 16 books introducing the region’s history and cultural heritage to the Gyeonggi Library.

Gyeonggi Governor Mi Ae Choo Meets Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Calls for Joint Advancement Through ‘Global Alliance for Future Mobility’

2026-09-22T02:12:17Z

 Gyeonggi Province Governor Mi Ae Choo met Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex on September 14
 Discussion on ways to expand cooperation in advanced industries, focusing on automotive and mobility, semiconductors, batteries and energy storage systems (ESS)
 Agreement on the need to expand ties among a wide range of stakeholders, including universities, research institutions, and young people
Gyeonggi Governor Mi Ae Choo met with Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex on September 14. The two governors agreed to build on the strengths of their respective regions, particularly in future mobility, and elevate their partnership into a global alliance.
The meeting was attended by a Michigan delegation visiting Korea to attract investment, including Governor Whitmer; David Coulter, Oakland County Executive; Zack Pohl, Chief of Staff to the Governor of Michigan; and Rachel Donaldson, Senior Vice President of Market Growth and Business Attraction at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
This marked Governor Choo’s first meeting with a delegation from one of Gyeonggi Province’s friendship regions since taking office. During the meeting, Governors Choo and Whitmer discussed their regions’ key industries and areas of interest, as well as ways to expand cooperation among companies and institutions in such sectors as automotive and mobility, semiconductors, batteries, power supply, and ESS.
“Gyeonggi Province and the State of Michigan are key partners that have built a deep friendship and mutual trust over the past 15 years,” Governor Choo said. “By combining Michigan’s automotive manufacturing capabilities with Gyeonggi’s expertise in semiconductors, batteries, and software, our two regions can jointly lead the development of technology standards and supply chains in the global future mobility market. I hope Gyeonggi and Michigan can advance together as a ‘global alliance for future mobility.’”
She added, “I hope we can establish a practical framework for administrative cooperation that provides companies entering and investing in each other’s markets with the information they need, helps them resolve challenges on the ground, and assists them throughout licensing and approval procedures. I also hope we can expand exchanges not only between companies but among a wide range of stakeholders, including universities, research institutions, and young people.”
Governor Whitmer responded, “Michigan and Gyeonggi are ready to develop industries together, share expertise, and shape the future.” She continued: “Michigan has reliable supply chains and cutting-edge manufacturing technology, as well as the highest concentration of engineers per capita in the US.”
“We look forward to sharing these strengths with our Korean partners and creating new opportunities for people in both regions,” she added. “We will continue working closely together to lead innovation across the globe.”
Governor Choo also expressed a sense of affinity with Governor Whitmer, saying, “We have much in common: we both have legal backgrounds and place great importance on principles; we are both women leaders responsible for the future of our respective regions; and neither of us compromises in the face of powerful interests or political pressure.”
Centered on Detroit, Michigan is a major industrial hub that has long led the US automotive industry. More recently, building on its established manufacturing base, the state has also been strengthening its competitiveness in key industries such as future mobility, semiconductors, and life sciences, as well as emerging industries including batteries and ESS, drones, and artificial intelligence.
Gyeonggi and Michigan have maintained close ties for 15 years since signing a memorandum of understanding on friendship and cooperation in 2011, with particular emphasis on cooperation in the automotive and mobility sector. Companies from Gyeonggi currently operate in Michigan across a wide range of sectors, including automotive, semiconductors, and batteries.
Building on this meeting, Gyeonggi Province plans to maintain its close relationship with the State of Michigan while identifying concrete opportunities for cooperation between companies and institutions in the two regions.

Gyeonggi-do Encourages Detailed Address Applications for Accuracy

2026-09-22T00:24:07Z

 Launch of an intensive campaign promoting “detailed address” applications to improve everyday convenience and access to welfare services
 Provincial officials to visit post offices across the province in September to promote the “Safety e-Report for Address Information Facilities” directly to delivery workers
 Distribution of resident-focused address information materials, including leaflets and posters, throughout the province
Gyeonggi-do is encouraging residents of studio apartments and multi-household homes whose exact units cannot be identified by road-name address alone to apply for a “detailed address.” The province is also urging residents to report damaged or missing road-name signs and building number plates through the “Safety e-Report for Address Information Facilities.”
Introduced in 2013, a detailed address adds building, floor, and unit information after the building number in a road-name address. Studio apartments, multi-household homes, and other residences that do not have separately designated building, floor, and unit numbers like apartment complexes can be assigned detailed addresses. This allows residents to use addresses that include such information, such as “Building XX, Room 201.” Detailed addresses help ensure the accurate delivery of mail and packages. They also make it easier to identify the precise location of individual households when providing administrative and welfare services.
The Safety e-Report for Address Information Facilities, which has been in operation since 2023, allows residents to directly report damaged or missing address information facilities in their neighborhoods, including road-name signs and building number plates.
Residents can submit a report by visiting the Safety e-Report for Address Information Facilities website (juso.gg.go.kr) and uploading a photo of the damaged facility, its location, and a description of its condition. After receiving a report, the department responsible for road-name addresses in the relevant city or county reviews it and carries out any necessary repairs.
To make the two systems easier for residents to use, Gyeonggi-do has produced materials explaining how to apply for a detailed address. It has also prepared posters outlining how to file a report through the Safety e-Report for Address Information Facilities and illustrating common types of damage. The materials will be distributed to cities and counties across the province.
In September, the province also plans to promote the Safety e-Report among postal workers and other delivery personnel who frequently encounter road-name signs and building number plates while making deliveries. Provincial officials will visit post offices across Gyeonggi-do to distribute informational materials and ask delivery workers to report any damaged address information facilities they encounter through the Safety e-Report.
“A detailed address identifies a location down to the building, floor, and unit, providing essential address information not only for deliveries but also for administrative and welfare services and emergency response,” said Park Hyo-sik, Head of Gyeonggi-do’s Address Information Team. “We encourage residents to actively use the Safety e-Report for Address Information Facilities whenever they find damaged road-name signs or building number plates in their neighborhoods.”

Gyeonggido Counseling Center for Migrant Women Marks First Anniversary, Having Provided 6,101 Counseling Sessions to 712 Migrant Women

2026-09-22T00:25:53Z

 Gyeonggido Counseling Center for Migrant Women holds first-anniversary performance report meeting on September 1
– Provided a total of 6,101 counseling sessions to 712 migrant women
– Established a professional support system, including a 17-member legal support team and a 33-member interpretation and translation support team
 Confirmed the need for comprehensive support addressing violence, immigration status, family, children, and other interconnected challenges
 Expressed its plan to establish an additional counseling hub in northern Gyeonggi and strengthen access to counseling and support for less commonly spoken languages
Gyeonggi-do held a performance report meeting at the Gyeonggido Assembly on September 1 to mark the first anniversary of the Gyeonggido Counseling Center for Migrant Women. Participants reviewed the center’s achievements over the past year and explored ways to further develop the support system for migrant women who have experienced violence.
According to statistics released by the center, a total of 712 migrant women received 6,101 counseling sessions between August 2025 and June 2026.
Counseling cases frequently involved a combination of domestic and other forms of violence, immigration status and nationality issues, family and children-related concerns, and everyday difficulties. These cases underscored the importance of providing comprehensive support tailored to individual circumstances and strengthening coordination among relevant organizations.
The Gyeonggido Counseling Center for Migrant Women provides multilingual counseling to migrant women who have experienced violence and their families, regardless of their immigration status. It also connects them with appropriate professional organizations and community resources based on their circumstances and needs.
In particular, the center serves migrant women from a wide range of immigration backgrounds, including marriage migrants, naturalized citizens, undocumented migrants, asylum seekers, humanitarian status holders, and migrant women admitted under the Employment Permit System. It therefore plays an important role in identifying and supporting migrant women whose experiences of violence might otherwise be overlooked by existing support systems.
Over the past year, the center has also laid the groundwork for strengthening professional counseling and support. It formed a 17-member legal support team that conducted 64 legal consultations and a 33-member interpretation and translation support team that provided services on 97 occasions. These initiatives have helped improve the accuracy and reliability of the center’s counseling services.
The center also established a network of organizations that support migrant women who have experienced violence, strengthening information sharing and interorganizational cooperation. This has laid the foundation for a coordinated response network capable of quickly connecting migrant women with specialized organizations and community resources across the province.
“We plan to actively consider practical measures to improve access to counseling for migrant women in northern Gyeonggi, including establishing an additional counseling hub, while creating the conditions needed to support these measures,” said Kim Seong-hwan, Head of Gyeonggi-do’s Immigration Society Support Division. “We will also increase public awareness of the counseling center and expand interpretation and translation support in less commonly spoken languages, steadily reducing the gaps in support identified in the field.”
Building on the achievements and feedback from the field presented at the first-anniversary performance report meeting, Gyeonggi-do plans to improve access to support for migrant women who have experienced violence. It will also continue helping the Gyeonggido Counseling Center for Migrant Women establish itself as a hub connecting migrant women with specialized organizations in their communities.

Gyeonggi Province Rolls Out Customized Smart Education Program “Farmdemic II” for Foreign Workers

2026-09-04T01:30:00Z

○ Smart livestock disease control education supporting 12 languages introduced to overcome language barriers for foreign workers
○ Easy smartphone access anytime, anywhere, greatly improving delivery of disease control guidelines
○ Field feedback from pilot operations to be applied along with full-scale rollout to livestock farms in Gyeonggi Province
Starting September 1, Gyeonggi Province will provide “Farmdemic II,” a multilingual, game-based livestock disease control training program, free of charge to 583 livestock farms in Gyeonggi that employ foreign workers, with the aim of strengthening the workers’ disease control capabilities.
Foreign workers have recently accounted for a steadily growing share of the livestock workforce, but language barriers and limited training conditions have made it difficult to accurately communicate disease control guidelines. To address these issues, Gyeonggi introduced the Farmdemic II smart disease control education system.
Farmdemic II is an experiential learning program that supports 12 languages, including Nepali, Vietnamese, and Thai, as well as 3D simulation features. Using the smartphone app, foreign workers can enter a virtual farm and repeatedly practice essential disease control procedures in a game-like setting, including controlling access to farms, disinfecting facilities and vehicles, administering vaccinations, and reporting animals suspected of carrying infectious diseases. As a key feature, it allows learners to immediately see the results when they choose actions corresponding to each situation, effectively increasing their understanding of disease control guidelines and engagement with the training.
Administrators can use the integrated management system to monitor each individual’s training progress. The system also supports tailored management based on each learner’s level and analysis of training outcomes, enabling farms to manage their disease control training systematically.
To increase use of the program in the field, Gyeonggi Province conducted three rounds of practical training and pilot operations for about 70 people, including disease control officials and foreign workers.
Lee Eun-gyeong, Director of the Animal Quarantine Division, stated, “Although the number of foreign workers is increasing, language differences and existing training methods have made it difficult to accurately communicate disease control guidelines.” She added, “Farmdemic II is a program that allows workers to directly experience, learn, and review disease control procedures in a language familiar to them. We expect it to provide practical help in improving farms’ disease control standards and preventing livestock infectious diseases.”

Gyeonggi Province Partners with Luxembourg to Support Local Healthtech Firms’ Entry into Europe

2026-09-04T01:28:10Z

○ “Gateway to Europe: Luxembourg Healthtech Business Seminar” hosted by the Gyeonggido Business & Science Accelerator on August 25
○ Introduction of Luxembourg’s healthtech ecosystem and one-on-one business meetings held for six companies
Gyeonggi Province has begun supporting local health technology companies in entering the European market by using Luxembourg as a gateway.
On August 25, Gyeonggi jointly hosted the healthtech business seminar “Gateway to Europe: Luxembourg Healthtech Business Seminar” at the Gyeonggi Bio Center with the Embassy of Luxembourg in Korea and the Gyeonggido Business & Science Accelerator.
The seminar was held to support bio and digital healthtech companies in the province in entering the European market by introducing the local market and industrial ecosystem, as well as the support environment for market entry, and by creating opportunities for exchanges with related institutions in Luxembourg. About 30 people attended the event, including Luxembourg officials and representatives of medical device and digital health companies in the province.
At the seminar, Koo Seon-mi, a senior commercial officer at the Embassy of Luxembourg in Korea, first introduced Luxembourg’s support system for entry to the European market. Regis Cire, head of healthtech at Luxinnovation, Luxembourg’s innovation support agency, then introduced Luxembourg’s healthtech and digital bio ecosystem, while Dr. Kim Hee-eun of the Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH) explained the local health research environment and the institution’s role.
Nam Byung-ho, CEO of HERINGS, a company with experience entering the Luxembourg market, then shared the company’s experience, providing Gyeonggi-based companies with practical information for their own expansion into the European market.
After the seminar, exchanges and one-on-one business meetings were held between companies in the province and Luxembourg’s related institutions. The meetings were attended by six companies in the province, including Noul (AI-based in vitro diagnostics), iConnectome (precision medicine and genomics), Biner (digital health and wearable devices), BioNexus (AI bio data platform), 6Letters (digital health and hormone monitoring), and Julia Bionics (biohealth and medical AI). They introduced their technologies and business models to representatives of Luxinnovation and the Embassy of Luxembourg in Korea. They discussed their potential to enter the European market as well as possible local cooperation.
Eom Ki-man, Director of Gyeonggi Province’s Bio Industry Division, said, “Access to information on local regulations and certification, as well as securing local business partners, is important for medical device companies entering the European market. With its healthtech ecosystem and business support system, Luxembourg is well suited to serve as a gateway to Europe.” He added, “Building on our cooperation with Luxembourg, we will actively support local medical device SMEs in expanding into Europe and strengthening partnerships there.”

Vietnam Women’s Union Visits Gyeonggido Technical Institute to Explore International Cooperation on Technical Education and Women’s Employment

2026-09-04T01:26:36Z

○ Overview and operating model shared for training skilled workers tailored to industry demand in fields such as electrical work and welding
○ On-site tour of vocational training at the Women’s Saeil Center and “DreamMaru,” a women’s startup support project
The Gyeonggido Technical Institute of the Gyeonggido Job Foundation welcomed a delegation from the Vietnam Women’s Union on August 25. The delegation had been invited to Korea for a training program on strengthening diplomacy and international integration capabilities, and the institute shared policies on technical education and women’s employment. The visit was arranged to share policies and field experience aimed at strengthening women’s economic independence and vocational skills, and to explore possibilities for future cooperation.
The Vietnam Women’s Union, which is currently studying outstanding international examples, visited the foundation to examine the Gyeonggido Technical Institute’s technical talent training programs and on-site support for women’s employment and startups. A total of 18 people took part in the visit, including the Senior Deputy Director of the Vietnam Women’s Union, other senior officials, and accompanying staff.
The Gyeonggido Job Foundation introduced the operating model of the Gyeonggido Technical Institute, focusing on the current status and major achievements of its training for technical talent—aligned with industrial demand in fields such as electricity and automobiles. The two sides then exchanged views on future cooperation, with a focus on strengthening women’s vocational skills and talent development.
The delegation toured key training sites at the Gyeonggido Technical Institute, including the departments of advanced machinery, electrical energy, smart mobility, AI industry, and smart welding. They reviewed curricula and training equipment designed to reflect industrial demand and observed the school’s field-oriented system for training technical personnel.
The delegation then visited the foundation’s southern regional office and toured vocational training programs at the Women’s Saeil Center and the operating site of “DreamMaru,” a women’s startup support project. The delegation reviewed the support system for women’s employment that connects vocational training with employment and business startup opportunities. Through the visit, they deepened their understanding of the foundation’s employment policies, which encompass both technical education and support for women’s economic participation.
The foundation expects the visit to serve as an opportunity for the two organizations to share policy experience and lay the groundwork for cooperation to expand women’s economic participation. It plans to continue expanding exchanges in technical education and women’s employment, while seeking practical avenues for cooperation.
Heo Jeong-eun, Director of the Convergence Talent Division at the Gyeonggido Job Foundation, stated, “Strengthening women’s vocational skills is a task that calls for shared deliberation and solutions across borders.” She added, “I hope this visit will go beyond sharing the two organizations’ experiences and become a starting point for practical cooperation.”

Gyeonggi Province Discusses Expanding Multilateral Local-Government Cooperation with U.S. State of Arizona

2026-08-20T01:24:30Z

○ Park Keon-kyun, Director General of Gyeonggi Province’s International Cooperation Bureau, met with officials from the Arizona Commerce Authority, City of Peoria, and Greater Phoenix Economic Council on August 14
○ Discussions on multilateral cooperation between Gyeonggi and Arizona local governments in advanced industries and other fields
Gyeonggi Province discussed ways to expand cooperation with the U.S. State of Arizona in advanced industries and other areas at the local-government level.
On August 14, Park Keon-kyun, Director General of Gyeonggi Province’s International Cooperation Bureau, met with Agnese Sturmane, Vice President of the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), Michael Finn, Vice Mayor of the City of Peoria, and Sean Fogarty, Vice President of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC), at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex. They discussed practical ways for local governments to cooperate in advanced industries, including semiconductor supply chains and corporate and investment cooperation.
Director General Park said, “Gyeonggi Province and the State of Arizona are regions with leading advanced-industry ecosystems, and I believe we can create even greater synergies by connecting our respective strengths,” and added, “I hope this meeting will serve as an opportunity to expand exchanges in advanced industries and lead to tangible economic cooperation.”
In response, Agnese Sturmane, Vice President of the ACA, stated, “Arizona places great importance on its partnership with Gyeonggi Province. Building on the strengths of both regions, we look forward to further expanding exchanges between businesses and institutions and achieving sustained results through continued cooperation.”
Arizona is a major international center for advanced industries, home to the headquarters of Onsemi and Amkor as well as major operations of global semiconductor companies such as TSMC and Intel. The state is enhancing its status as a global semiconductors hub, having recently been selected as a long-term host for SEMICON West, North America’s largest semiconductor industry exhibition.
The City of Peoria is home to Amkor’s largest advanced packaging manufacturing facility in North America, currently under development, while GPEC plays an important role in expanding Arizona’s industrial ecosystem by attracting global companies and supporting investment.
Gyeonggi Province has maintained local-government-level exchanges with the State of Arizona since signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on friendship and cooperation in 2024. The province expects this meeting to serve as an opportunity to further develop cooperation between the two regions and translate it into tangible results.