[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Gyeonggi Province has joined hands with Chungcheongnam-do to promote mutual development cooperation between the two regions, regardless of political affiliations.
Gyeonggi Province announced that Governor Kim Dong-yeon of Gyeonggi Province and Governor Kim Tae-heum of Chungnam signed the "Gyeonggi-Chungnam Win-Win Cooperation Agreement" at the Chungnam Provincial Office on the 29th.
The province explained that this agreement is the first inter-metropolitan local government agreement since Governor Kim Dong-yeon's inauguration, and it is particularly meaningful as the two regions have come together beyond political lines to address livelihood issues and regional development.
Governor Kim said, "Governor Kim Tae-heum first proposed the Bay Valley Megacity concept, and I thought it was a desirable path for Chungnam and Gyeonggi to achieve mutual prosperity, so I gladly agreed to join. I hope that this agreement will lead to concrete and small achievements. The southern Gyeonggi region is home to semiconductor clusters and various advanced industries, so if combined with Chungnam's various growth potentials, it could create great synergy."
He added, "Regarding the Bay Valley Megacity, to create an innovative ecosystem, it is important to combine talent and inclusive technology, change the perceptions of local governments, systems, and laws, and have the central government support the megacity without interference while tailoring the vision and blueprint for development to local circumstances. I will do my best to ensure that Chungnam and Gyeonggi are firmly united as an innovation belt, helping and encouraging each other to jointly enhance innovation capabilities and create a virtuous cycle."
At a press briefing after the signing ceremony, Governor Kim emphasized, "There have been many discussions about megacities, but they were limited to specific areas. This agreement is significant because it transcends the Chungcheong region and the metropolitan area, as well as political parties. I believe it will be a major turning point for balanced regional development."
The main agreements in the memorandum include ▲ mutual cooperation in constructing the Pyeongtaek-Asan-Cheonan circular railway ▲ cooperation in creating a cutting-edge industrial belt in the adjacent areas of Gyeonggi and Chungnam ▲ improvement of logistics environment and fostering export hubs at Pyeongtaek and Dangjin ports ▲ joint development of tourism resources in coastal areas of Gyeonggi and Chungnam ▲ cooperation in establishing a hydrogen energy convergence industry belt ▲ mutual cooperation to expand support for areas surrounding U.S. military bases ▲ development of marina hubs and marine leisure industries in the West Coast area ▲ joint response to marine debris collection and disposal ▲ joint research cooperation on major issues and development directions of the two regions, totaling nine tasks.
According to the agreement, the two regions will first focus on promoting mutual exchange and improving mobility by constructing the Pyeongtaek-Asan-Cheonan circular railway (Bay Train).
This agreement began when the Chungnam Governor's transition committee visited the Gyeonggi Governor's transition committee in June and proposed the "Bay Valley Megacity Construction Plan." The Bay Valley Megacity is Chungnam's plan to create a megacity leading the 4th industrial revolution by linking southern Gyeonggi areas?Pyeongtaek, Anseong, Hwaseong?and northern Chungnam areas?Cheonan, Asan, Dangjin.
Gyeonggi Province accepted Chungnam's plan and, after about two months of working-level consultations, prepared cooperative tasks for mutual development, resulting in this agreement. The province plans to continue strengthening partnerships with the central government, metropolitan local governments, and private companies to enhance the momentum for addressing major provincial issues.
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