On March 27, Gyeonggi Province and Jiangsu Province—China’s second-largest provincial economy—agreed to establish a joint consultative body, a working-level platform for cooperation across key sectors including economy, agricultural technology, healthcare, and climate and environmental issues. The two sides also agreed to hold regular annual meetings through this body.

This initiative follows the sisterhood agreement signed in June 2023, when Governor Dong Yeon Kim met with Jiangsu Party Secretary Xin Changxing during the latter’s visit to Gyeonggi Province. At that time, Governor Kim proposed the formation of a working-level group to systematically strengthen cooperation between the two regions.

Gyeonggi Province International Cooperation Director General Park Keon-Kyun met with Jiangsu Province Foreign Affairs Director General Sun Yi at the latter’s offices in Jiangsu on the afternoon of March 27. The two officials signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of a Joint Consultative Body between the People’s Republic of China’s Jiangsu Province and the Republic of Korea’s Gyeonggi Province and agreed to identify and implement concrete and practical cooperation projects.

Under the MOU, Gyeonggi Province and Jiangsu Province will hold one joint consultative meeting annually. The meetings will be led by the Gyeonggi Provincial Government’s International Cooperation Bureau and the Jiangsu Provincial People’s Government’s Foreign Affairs Office, with relevant departments from both sides participating. Additional meetings may also be held as needed to address current issues in either region.

At the inaugural joint consultative meeting held on the same day, Gyeonggi Province and Jiangsu Province discussed a wide range of practical cooperation initiatives, including: launching a new youth exchange program involving mutual visits by students and training programs for invited government officials; strengthening joint research in agricultural technology; resuming training programs for Jiangsu medical professionals as part of healthcare cooperation; expanding environmental cooperation on climate change, including an invitation for Jiangsu to participate in the International Clean Air Forum scheduled for this September in Gyeonggi Province; introducing a business exchange support program between Gyeonggi and Jiangsu companies through the Gyeonggi Business Center (GBC) in Shanghai; and deepening local-level exchanges between Hwaseong City in Gyeonggi Province and Yancheng City in Jiangsu Province

Jiangsu Province is one of China’s top regions in terms of GDP and hosts a significant presence of Korean companies, including Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, LG Electronics, Hankook Tire, and Kia Motors.

Jiangsu is also considered a symbolic region in Korea-China relations. It was the place of study for Choe Chi-won, a renowned scholar from Korea’s Silla Dynasty, and in 2007, the Chinese government established the Choe Chi-won Memorial Hall, the first commemorative hall in China dedicated to a foreign national. In addition, Jiangsu is home to the Korean Provisional Government Archive Hall in Zhenjiang, where key leaders of Korea’s independence movement, including Kim Gu, once stayed and carried out anti-Japanese resistance activities.

Gyeonggi Province International Cooperation Director General Park Keon-Kyun stated, “Gyeonggi Province and Jiangsu Province are key economic regions representing Korea and China, respectively. Since 2023, we have steadily prepared to deepen our friendship. Following last year’s meeting between our top leaders, the relationship was elevated to a sisterhood agreement, and the subsequent establishment of the joint consultative body reflects the strong and substantive cooperation between our regions.” He added, “We expect this partnership to serve as a model for exemplary local-level exchange and cooperation, and as a catalyst for advancing Korea-China relations to a new level.”

Jiangsu Province Foreign Affairs Director General Sun Yi responded, “We hope to continue holding regular meetings of the Gyeonggi–Jiangsu joint consultative body, uncovering the full potential of bilateral cooperation and promoting meaningful exchange in areas such as the environment, healthcare, and public administration.” He continued, “In addition, we look forward to organizing diverse youth exchange activities in various formats and themes, so that our regions can jointly shape a bright and friendly future.”

On March 27, Gyeonggi Province held the 2025 Global Policy Research Training Team Audition at Yulgok Hall, 4th floor of its Gwanggyo complex, and finalized the selection of 15 teams comprising a total of 60 participants.

The Global Policy Research Training Program is a benchmarking initiative designed to study advanced overseas cases and apply the resulting insights to the administration of Gyeonggi Province. In response to a rapidly evolving administrative environment, the province launched this initiative to enhance its global competitiveness through research aligned with international policy trends.

A total of 15 research projects were selected, including six designated tasks aligned with key agenda items of the current Gyeonggi administration, and nine autonomous tasks reflecting the current issues of various departments and offices. Key research topics include: “A study of advanced global cases related to the Gyeonggi Province Caregiving SOS Project”; “Best practices in reducing working hours”; “AI-based smart traffic safety systems”; and “Innovative employment models for utilizing the expertise of the 50+ generation.”

In particular, to advance the Gyeonggi Caregiving SOS Project, the teams will analyze long-term care insurance systems, service quality standards, and family caregiver support policies in Sweden and Norway, with the goal of developing a caregiving service model tailored to Gyeonggi Province.

To promote work-life balance and improve quality of life, the project will also reference policy experiments on reduced working hours currently underway in the United Kingdom and Spain, using them as a basis to explore a 4.5-day workweek and new employment models such as the 0.5 & 0.75 job system.

In addition, best practices in AI-based smart traffic safety policies from countries like Sweden and Denmark will be reviewed and applied to the province’s 2030 Gyeonggi Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Master Plan.

To support the smooth progress of research, the province will provide each team with training expenses ranging from KRW 15–20 million, along with up to KRW 1.75 million in interpretation fees. The results of the research will be shared at a performance presentation scheduled for September, and outstanding projects will be considered for incorporation into provincial policy.

Gyeonggi Province Self-Governance Director General Kim Sang-su stated, “Global policy research is not merely an overseas training program, but a strategic research activity aimed at shaping the future of Gyeonggi’s governance. We hope that each selected team will approach their work with a sense of mission, leading to policies that bring about tangible improvements in the lives of our residents.”
 

On March 25, Gyeonggi Province Governor Dong Yeon Kim met with Alaska State Governor Mike Dunleavy at The Plaza Hotel in Seoul to explore opportunities for bilateral cooperation in various areas including energy, climate response, and tourism.

The two leaders held wide-ranging discussions on practical avenues for cooperation, including LNG development projects, climate technology exchange, and joint development of tourism content between Gyeonggi and Alaska. They shared the view that the Korea-U.S. alliance should evolve beyond security cooperation to also encompass economic mutual benefits. Gyeonggi Province expressed hopes that this meeting would serve as a foundation for sustainable exchange and collaboration based on mutual trust and solidarity between the two regions.

Governor Kim stated, “Alaska is emerging as a key player in the global energy strategy. I hope we can develop a cooperative model that delivers tangible benefits to both Korea and the U.S. as well as to Gyeonggi Province and Alaska.”

Governor Dunleavy responded, “The LNG project has been a long-standing aspiration for Alaska. President Trump is committed to pursuing negotiations that prioritize mutual benefit over disadvantage to allies.”

Governor Kim remarked, “It feels as though I’m speaking directly with President Trump. Thank you for the detailed explanation.” He added, “The Korea-U.S. alliance has remained strong, and it should continue to develop into an even stronger partnership that brings mutual benefit.” He concluded by saying, “Given the importance of Korea-U.S. economic cooperation, I ask that influential and capable leaders like yourself take a continued interest and active role in matters such as the designation of sensitive countries and tariff negotiations.”

Located in the northwestern region of North America, the State of Alaska is not only known for its vast natural environment but is also a key area in U.S. energy policy, being a major producer of oil and natural gas. It also has well-developed industries such as fisheries, tourism, forestry, and mining. With Alaska’s political stature rising in recent years, Governor Mike Dunleavy visited Korea for meetings with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, following President Trump’s mention of potential investment from Korea and Japan in Alaska’s LNG development project.

Governor Dunleavy (R) is the first governor in Alaska’s history to be re-elected. He is regarded as a key figure in shaping the energy policy of a potential second Trump administration. In particular, the Alaska LNG development project is a long-standing priority for Governor Dunleavy and is expected to gain further momentum with the support of the Trump administration.

This meeting also aligns with Gyeonggi Province’s recent diplomatic efforts, including sending official letters regarding the designation of sensitive countries. Governor Kim has previously emphasized to ten U.S. states and IBM Vice Chairman Gary Cohn that Korea’s designation as a sensitive country by the U.S. Department of Energy should not hinder cooperation between the two governments. His efforts reflect a proactive stance by local governments to complement national foreign policy and respond swiftly to issues concerning economic security. This type of diplomatic initiative illustrates how local governments are evolving beyond their administrative roles to become active and strategic partners in global affairs.

In particular, with the central government’s foreign and trade policies in a state of transitional uncertainty, Gyeonggi Province is stepping up to fill the gap by demonstrating practical diplomatic leadership and pioneering new channels of international cooperation. This move goes beyond friendly exchange and underscores the growing role of the province as a substantive actor in foreign affairs.

Furthermore, the recent meeting was part of Gyeonggi Province’s ongoing global trend analysis policy, led by its International Cooperation Bureau. The province is continuously developing global strategies by analyzing the core interests and needs of regions around the world, aiming to create practical, mutually beneficial cooperation opportunities with Gyeonggi Province and the Republic of Korea.

On March 13, the Gyeonggi Provincial Government and the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization conducted a familiarization (“fam”) tour for Delta Air Lines’ U.S. sales team to major tourist spots in Gimpo City, Gyeonggi Province, including Byeokkot Nongbu (a rice-themed experience center) and Aegibong Peace Ecological Park.

This fam tour is based on the “Gyeonggi–Utah Action Plan” (strengthening cooperation between the two regions, which have been sister regions since September 1983) signed during Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox’s visit to Gyeonggi Province last September. The tour was timed to coincide with Delta Air Lines’ new direct flight route from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) in Utah to Incheon International Airport (ICN) in South Korea, launching on June 12.

The 16-member Delta Air Lines sales team enjoyed experiences such as making gochujang (Korean chili paste) and bibimbap at Byeokkot Nongbu (a café and rural culture complex), and gained unique tourism insights about the ecological environment of the border area and views of North Korea at Aegibong Peace Ecological Park, a tourist site near the Korean Demilitarized Zone.

Delta Air Lines’ U.S. sales team commented, “Previously, we focused our promotional marketing efforts only on Seoul for U.S. companies, but this visit to Gyeonggi Province was very impressive, and we would recommend visiting Gyeonggi Province.”

Gyeonggi Province Tourism Industry Director Jang Hyang-jeong said, “Starting with the visit of Delta Air Lines’ U.S. sales team, we expect the activation of tourism exchanges and the expansion of foreign tourist attraction between Gyeonggi Province and the State of Utah, especially with the launch of the direct flight route (SLC–ICN) in June… We will continue to cooperate with Utah and Delta Air Lines.”

Meanwhile, this fam tour was the first official follow-up action taken after the signing of the Gyeonggi–Utah Action Plan during Governor Spencer Cox’s visit to Gyeonggi Province last September. It is expected to strengthen the long-standing relationship between the two regions, which has been in place since the sisterhood agreement was established in September 1983.

Gyeonggi Province announced that it participated in this year’s Mobile World Congress (MWC), the world’s largest mobile communications exhibition, held in Barcelona, Spain, from March 3 to 6, with the largest scale of any local government in Korea. During the event, the province facilitated contracts worth USD 56.78 million.

This exhibition participation is part of four key strategies and 12 projects designed to respond to the Trump administration’s protectionist policies and tariffs: urgent response to trade environment risks; expanding export market territory; enhancing global competitiveness of export companies; and strengthening comprehensive consulting for crisis response. These efforts aim to help local companies secure sustainable competitiveness in global markets and actively support their expansion into overseas markets.

MWC (Spain) is one of the top three global ICT exhibitions, along with CES (United States) and IFA (Germany), where cutting-edge technologies and innovation trends are showcased.

Gyeonggi Province set up a booth with 26 local companies, achieving 558 export consultations worth USD 166.08 million and pursuing 145 contracts worth USD 56.78 million, significantly increasing the potential for local companies to enter global markets. The 26 companies comprise the largest contingent from a local government at this exhibition.

To support their participation, Gyeonggi Province allocated KRW 500 million, providing support for exhibition fees, product transportation, and interpretation services, as well as connections with overseas buyers, targeting companies in emerging future industries such as smart healthcare, intelligent mobility, and data security. Of particular note, to alleviate the burden on companies due to exchange rate fluctuations and rising prices, the support limit per company was increased from KRW 8 million to 12 million.

The province plans to continue supporting companies through a systematic performance management scheme to ensure tangible export results.

Gyeonggi Province International Trade Director Park Kyung-seo said, “Going forward, Gyeonggi Province will continue to expand customized support measures boldly and swiftly to help resolve export companies’ challenges and enhance their global competitiveness in the rapidly changing trade environment.”

The Gyeonggi Institute of Research and Policy Development for Migrants’ Human Rights (GMHR), which operates under the Gyeonggi Provincial Government, announced on March 7 that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Gyeonggi Migrants’ Welfare Center Directors Council and the Gyeonggi Regional Multicultural Family Support Center to build a support system for migrants.

The GMHR is an organization focusing on four key areas: protection of rights, promotion of foreign residents’ interests, policy development, and network expansion. The center promotes various activities aimed at enhancing the rights and welfare of foreign residents.

The Gyeonggi Migrants’ Welfare Center Directors Council, which is participating in this MOU, is a cooperative body formed by welfare support centers for foreign residents run by nine local governments, including Yongin City. The council develops and supports policies such as medical assistance, livelihood consultation, and talent development to help foreign residents settle in the region. The Gyeonggi Regional Multicultural Family Support Center supports the smooth settlement and social adaptation of marriage migrants and multicultural families through education, counseling, employment support, child education, and cultural programs. A total of four centers operate across the region.

Until now, migrant support tasks have been carried out individually by different organizations, which limited the effectiveness of their responses. This MOU aims to overcome the limitations of the existing system and provide comprehensive responses to the diverse and complex needs of migrants.

Key areas of cooperation include: building a counseling network and jointly developing policies; enhancing the capacity of staff members; conducting joint investigations and forums; and enhancing the status of organizations and staff members.

Through this MOU, the GMHR plans to expand its functions, including livelihood counseling, connecting support programs, and creating networks, by establishing an administrative platform for migrants. The center plans to transition to the Gyeonggi Comprehensive Support Center for Foreign Residents (tentatively named) by the first half of the year.

Gyeonggi Province Director General of Immigration and Social Affairs Kim Won-kyu said, “We hope that each center will share their individual experiences and regional characteristics, and work together to help Gyeonggi Province lead immigrant society through the power of cooperation.”

Gyeonggi Province plans to collect the opinions of immigrants and develop policies for mutual growth to create an inclusive immigrant community model that realizes the values of diversity and equality.
 

Gyeonggi Province and global tech company Cisco Systems Inc. held an AI & Digital Collaboration Roundtable on Feb. 26 at Cisco Korea’s headquarters in Gangnam-gu, Seoul to promote the AI industry.

Cisco is an American multinational corporation with over 300 branch offices worldwide, specializing in networking, security, and collaboration products and services. As of the 2024 fiscal year, its annual revenue reaches approximately $53.8 billion.

The roundtable was attended by Gyeonggi Province Director of AI Kim Ki-byeong along with Cisco Asia Pacific, Japan, and Greater China (APJC) President Dave West, Cisco Korea CEO Choi Ji-hee, and ten other executives. The discussions focused on detailed strategies for fostering the AI ecosystem.

During the meeting, Cisco presented Gyeonggi Province with a letter of support for AI startup development and proposed various cooperation initiatives, including network infrastructure and AI technology support, to help AI startups enhance their global competitiveness.

The key aspects of this collaboration include: running AI startup training programs; sharing case studies and enabling technical cooperation using Cisco solutions; providing expert mentoring; and supporting AI startups in expanding into global markets.

Notably, Cisco’s Innovation Center will align with Gyeonggi Province’s AI startup support initiatives to enhance technical capabilities and improve global market connectivity.

Gyeonggi Province Director of AI Kim Ki-byeong stated, “Our collaboration with Cisco is one of the key initiatives to expand the AI ecosystem in Gyeonggi Province. We will continue to promote various programs, including investment opportunities, to support AI startups in their global expansion.”

Cisco APJC President Dave West responded, “We are committed to driving AI innovation in collaboration with Gyeonggi Province and actively supporting AI startups to succeed in the global market.”

Going forward, Gyeonggi Province plans to strengthen its partnerships with various companies to further support the growth of AI startups.

Gyeonggi Province is the first metropolitan local government to formally request the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) extension of undocumented foreign children’s temporary residency status before expiry on Mar. 31, 2025, to ensure their right to education.

Introduced in April 2021, Korea’s temporary residency program allows foreign children and their parents to stay in Korea if the child meets one of the following criteria: (1) born in Korea or entered the country as an infant (under six years old); (2) resided in Korea for at least six years; or (3) currently enrolled in or has graduated from an elementary, middle or high school in Korea.

If the program expires, undocumented foreign children of preschool age may face significant barriers to school enrollment, potentially causing large-scale disruption for an estimated 20,000 affected children and their families.

In response, Gyeonggi Province has urged the Minister of Justice to extend the program and establish a fundamental policy solution in accordance with Article 28 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. According to studies by the province, advanced nations such as the United States and Germany guarantee education rights for migrant children regardless of their residency status, highlighting the need for Korea to improve its approach.

Gyeonggi Province Director of Immigration and Social Affairs Kim Won-kyu said, “Under Article 2 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, all children must be protected from discrimination.” He added that an extension is essential and called on the Ministry of Education to ensure that foreign children are not subject to discriminatory treatment.

On Feb. 18, Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon met with Ambassador Joseph Yun, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, to reaffirm the strong U.S.-ROK alliance and discuss cooperation between Gyeonggi Province and the United States.

Governor Kim expressed his gratitude to Ambassador Yun for his unwavering trust in Korea’s crisis management capabilities, even during periods of instability, such as martial law and the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol. He also emphasized the growing importance of Ambassador Yun’s role and responsibilities amid the transition to the new Trump administration.

During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on various issues and shared the need for close cooperation. Since taking office, Governor Kim has actively engaged with U.S. state governors from key regions, including Virginia, New York, and California, strengthening ties through multiple meetings.

Gyeonggi Province described the meeting as a meaningful opportunity to exchange opinions on cooperation amid rapidly changing circumstances.

The province also highlighted its ongoing collaboration with the U.S., noting that after proposing an “innovation alliance” during a meeting with former U.S. Ambassador Philip Goldberg in 2022, it signed two new agreements for friendly cooperation and organized three official delegations to the U.S. over the past two years. In December 2023, Governor Kim reaffirmed the innovation alliance with Ambassador Goldberg, reinforcing mutual trust and friendship.

In addition, Governor Kim has recently met with ambassadors from the U.K. (Colin Crooks), France (Philippe Bertoux), and Canada (Tamara Mawhinney) to emphasize international confidence in Korea and foster cooperative relationships. In January, Governor Kim was the only Korean politician to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, where he engaged with global economic leaders, business executives, and journalists to discuss Korea’s economic potential and resilience, continuing his active global outreach efforts.

Gyeonggi Province expects this meeting to further solidify the U.S.-ROK alliance and economic cooperation, strengthening bilateral relations.
 

The Korea Ceramics Foundation (KOCEF) announced on February 14 that it would participate in Maison & Objet 2025, to be held in Paris from September 4 to 8. It will also operate the Gyeonggi Ceramics Pavilion.

Maison & Objet is the world’s largest interior and design fair, held twice annually—once in January and again in September. This year, the foundation will collaborate with the cities of Icheon and Yeoju to support Gyeonggi Province ceramics companies in expanding their international markets. This year marks the third participation since 2023.

Exhibitor recruitment will be announced on the KOCEF website (kocef.org) in March, with around 20 companies expected to participate. Selected exhibitors will receive various benefits, including local stay support, exemption from transportation and round-trip overseas shipping fees (except for the import/export of works within Korea), free insurance for works during transportation, exhibition setup support, production of promotional materials such as photos and catalogs, export procedure training, and additional promotional and operational support.

Of particular note, 19 ceramics companies that joined the event last year achieved a total of 349 export consultations with international buyers through the foundation’s ongoing follow-up management, resulting in export consultations valued at approximately KRW 200 million. Currently, sample transactions and deliveries are being discussed with vendors and distributors in the Netherlands, Greece, Canada, Spain, and other countries.

KOCEF will also introduce the “Gyeonggi Ceramics Export Voucher Support Program” this year to further assist in overseas market development. This program aims to provide practical support to domestic ceramics companies by addressing key challenges in the pre-export process, such as communication with foreign buyers in their local languages, sample transportation costs for commercial transactions, issuance of trade documents, and brokerage services for carriers, as well as shipping and translation costs. Further details will be announced on the foundation’s website in March.

Choi Moon-hwan, KOCEF CEO, stated, “We are committed to enhancing the global competitiveness of Gyeonggi’s ceramics industry, increasing its recognition in international markets, and providing more international exchange and export opportunities for Gyeonggi artists. Through continued participation in prestigious overseas fairs and the launch of the Gyeonggi Ceramics Export Voucher Support Program, we will promote the excellence of Korean ceramics worldwide.”