On April 15, Gyeonggi Province and the Gyeonggi FTA Global Business Center (GGFTA Center) announced that they had held on-site export consultations in Melbourne, Australia, on April 8 and in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on April 10. A total of 105 business meetings were held across both locations.

These export consultations were organized to support local SMEs in the K-beauty and household consumer goods sectors to diversify into global markets amid increasing external uncertainties, including the intensifying U.S.-China trade conflict and rising non-tariff regulations worldwide.

Ten companies from Gyeonggi, specializing in beauty and daily consumer products, participated in the consultation sessions across both regions. In Melbourne, Australia, 49 business meetings were held, resulting in USD 1.06 million in potential exports and USD 510,000 in contracts currently under negotiation. Meanwhile, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 56 meetings were held, with export consultations amounting to USD 2.11 million and contract negotiations underway for USD 750,000.

“We could sense the recognition of Korean products’ excellence by Australian consumers first-hand,” said a representative of a Hanam City-based skincare company entering the Australian market for the first time. “Thanks to the Korea–Australia FTA tariff benefits, our price competitiveness has improved, increasing the likelihood of actual contracts.”

“This consultation gave us valuable insight into the Malaysian market and buyer responses,” commented a representative of a Yongin City-based food company. “Overseas standard certifications are essential for entering global markets, and the GGFTA Center’s support has been extremely helpful.”

Australia is recognized as a premium market backed by high purchasing power and consumer trust, with a growing demand for eco-friendly and health-focused products. Malaysia is also emerging as a key hub for accessing the ASEAN market and a strategic entry point into the halal market in the Islamic world. As such, these consultations are expected to be a significant stepping stone for provincial SMEs to move beyond an export structure heavily reliant on the U.S. and China and into new, diversified markets.

Gyeonggi Province and the GGFTA Center plan to continue offering local export consultations, overseas certification support, and tailored training and briefings to help companies in the province overcome non-tariff barriers in various global markets, including Australia and Malaysia.

For further information, please contact the GGFTA Trade Promotion Center (+82-1688-4684).

Gyeonggi Province International Trade Director Park Gyeong-seo stated, “We will continue to provide proactive support to help companies recognize the importance of overseas certifications and prepare in advance to respond effectively to the evolving global trade landscape.”

The World Local Government Climate Summit (WLGCS) opened on April 15 at KINTEX in Goyang City, Gyeonggi Province, to facilitate local governments’ climate action and strengthen international solidarity in the face of the global climate crisis.

The summit was jointly hosted by the Gyeonggi Provincial Government and the Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI), and drew more than 1,600 participants, including representatives from 82 cities across 29 countries, international organizations, and experts in climate and energy policy.

This year’s WLGCS marks Gyeonggi’s first time hosting a massive international event of this kind following the province’s establishment of ICLEI Korea’s headquarters in KINTEX. The gathering was organized to intensify local-level responses to the climate emergency and lay stronger foundations for global cooperation. Under the theme “Science-based Green Transition for All,” attendees at this summit explored solutions to build sustainable local communities.

Kicking off on April 15 with an opening ceremony, the event proceeded with keynote speeches, plenary sessions, six parallel breakout sessions, and a RE100 Cities Network performance. On April 16, the summit featured additional breakout sessions, the closing ceremony, a formal Global Local Government Joint Declaration, and a site visit to the Janghang Wetlands.

The opening ceremony began with remarks by ICLEI President Katrin Stjernfeldt Jammeh, followed by a welcome speech from Gyeonggi Province Vice Governor for Administrative Affairs Kim Seong-jung, a congratulatory address by Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly Member Oh Jun-hwan, and a video message from former U.S. Vice President Al Gore. In his keynote address, Green Climate Fund (GCF) Chair Seyni Nafo emphasized the importance of sustainable local cities and their pivotal role in climate finance mechanisms.

A notable highlight was the RE100 Cities Network performance, presented by the joint efforts of Gyeonggi Province, Gwangmyeong City, Paju City, and international organization representatives. The show symbolized local administrative bodies’ commitment to a full-scale transition toward renewable energy.

The core themes for sessions during the summit are as follows: science-based solutions; civic participation; climate economy; climate inclusiveness; and harmony with nature. Various local government leaders took turns as chairs for the sessions, presenting on themes such as their local organizations’ environmental policies and climate action strategies. Notable figures included Rajkot (India) Mayor Nayanaben Pedhadiya; North Miami (U.S.) Mayor Alix Desulme; and Hobart (Australia) Mayor Anna Reynolds.

On April 16, the final day of the summit, participants formally adopted the Global Local Government Declaration, which outlines a collective commitment by local governments to take tangible action and play a leading role in creating a sustainable future. This declaration will be submitted to the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), set to be held in Brazil this November, ensuring that the voices of local governments are represented on the global stage.

The Gyeonggi Provincial Government anticipates that this summit will underscore the vital role of local governments in addressing the climate crisis and serve as a catalyst for expanding global cooperation by sharing successes and policy strategies from across the world.

Gyeonggi Province Climate Change, Environment & Energy Director General Cha Seong-su once again highlighted the role of local governments as he introduced the province’s leading environment initiatives, including Gyeonggi RE100, Climate Platform, and Climate Insurance. He added, “Our policies are grounded in scientific data and serve as practical, community-based models for climate crisis response.”

On April 1, Gyeonggi Province Vice Governor for Economy Ko Yeong-in met with Vinh Phuc Provincial People’s Committee Chairman Tran Duy Dong. The two discussed ways to strengthen economic cooperation between both regions at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex.

Located in northern Vietnam adjacent to the capital city of Hanoi, Vinh Phuc Province is a key economic hub that attracts active investment worldwide. As a major investor in the region, South Korea ranks first in both the number of investing companies and total investment volume. Chairman Tran Duy Dong, an investment expert who served as the former Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment of Vietnam, is pursuing various policies to boost investment in Vinh Phuc.

The delegation’s visit to Gyeonggi Province was arranged at the chairman’s request as a part of his visit to Korea to promote Vinh Phuc’s investment environment.

Vice Governor Ko stated, “Korea and Vietnam are integral economic partners to one another. In the midst of growing uncertainties in the trade sector, closer cooperation between our two countries will offer even greater benefits for companies.”

He added, “Vinh Phuc is a major destination for Korean companies, and I hope to see expanded policy support to help Korean and Gyeonggi-based businesses operating in the region grow further and operate more stably.”

Ko also noted, “We plan to host G-FAIR in Ho Chi Minh City this September. It will be an exhibition that showcases outstanding Gyeonggi products, and we hope Vinh Phuc Province will participate in the event.”

“I am well aware that Gyeonggi Province stands out with significant trade volume and a large number of major corporation locations even in Korea,” Chairman Tran responded. “Many Korean investors in Vinh Phuc are from Gyeonggi Province, and I ask you to encourage more companies from the province to invest in our region.”

He continued, “We look forward to increased exchanges with Gyeonggi Province and will ensure that Vinh Phuc participates in this year’s G-FAIR in Ho Chi Minh City.”

Often referred to as “Post-China,” Vietnam is one of the fastest-growing of the major emerging economies, with an expected economic growth rate of 7.09% in 2024, and is becoming increasingly important to global supply chains.

Gyeonggi Province remains committed to supporting expansion by local businesses into Vietnam. The provincial government’s efforts include the establishment of the Gyeonggi Business Center (GBC) in Ho Chi Minh City in 2016 and this year’s upcoming G-FAIR in September. 

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.