○ Exploring substantial cooperate measures, from climate crisis response and smart agriculture to youth exchanges and cultural collaboration

On the afternoon of July 7, the Gyeonggi Provincial Government held a policy exchange meeting with representatives from Poland’s Lower Silesian Voivodeship at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex to discuss cooperation measures, including responses to the climate crisis and exchanges of young citizens.

This meeting was a follow-up to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between Gyeonggi Province and the Lower Silesian Voivodeship in November 2023. Officials from both regions met to strengthen policy networks and discuss actionable cooperation strategies.

The discussions covered a variety of key policy issues affecting both local governments, such as the climate crisis and youth policies. Members from Gyeonggi Province shared their administrative experiences and initiatives, including: climate policies such the launch of a climate satellite; urban and rural smart farm initiatives; youth opportunity programs such as Youth Ladder, Youth Gap Year, and other youth capacity building support; and cultural and tourism resources like the Gyeonggi Tour Pass, along with opportunity income for artists and athletes.

Representatives from Lower Silesian Voivodeship also exchanged views on potential future cooperation after introducing their initiatives, including: climate response policies such as EV implementation; conditions supporting inter-university exchange programs; and current policy status on cultural tourism assets, including UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Park Keon-kyun, Gyeonggi’s Director General of the International Cooperation Bureau, referred to recent discussions on advanced industry and corporate cooperation held between Polish Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski and Gyeonggi’s Vice Governor for Economy, Ko Yeong-in. He emphasized, “Enhanced collaboration efforts between Gyeonggi Province and Lower Silesian Voivodeship are essential for sustaining cooperation between Korea and Poland, as both regions are key hubs of advanced industries.”

Krzysztof Hodun, Director of International Cooperation and head of the Lower Silesian delegation, expressed hopes for active collaboration, stating, “We hope to see active exchanges between youths, such as university students, as well as cooperation in cutting-edge industries, including semiconductors.” He added, “With mayors and representatives from local governments in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship also present, closer interactions will surely be possible.”

The Lower Silesian Voivodeship is home to major Korean corporations, including LG Electronics, LG Energy Solution, and Mando, as well as global companies such as Mercedes-Benz and Toyota, forming prominent industrial clusters. Notably, in November 2023, a direct flight route between Wrocław—the district’s capital—and Incheon was inaugurated, further facilitating bilateral exchanges.

This meeting was arranged as part of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship’s mutual exchange training program with the Gyeonggi Provincial Government. The delegation will remain in Gyeonggi Province for approximately two weeks to participate in policy training focused on smart cities and disaster safety. Gyeonggi plans to dispatch its own exchange delegation of provincial and municipal officials to the Lower Silesian Voivodeship for about two weeks from late August to early September.