Changwon Special City to Cooperate with Montpellier, France in Culture, Education, and Economy

Changwon Mayor Hong Nam-pyo: "Interest in Montpellier's Young Population Influx and Urban Infrastructure Policies," City to Review Integration Measures

Changwon Special City in Gyeongnam announced on the 3rd that, on the occasion of Mayor Hong Nam-pyo's visit to two cities in France, the city has launched practical exchanges and cooperation with Montpellier in the fields of culture, education, economy, and technology.

Hong Nampyo, Changwon Special Mayor, Visits France, Exchanges and Cooperates in Culture, Education, and Economy with Montpellier

Mayor Hong is currently on a seven-day, five-night visit to Montpellier and Grenoble, France, starting from May 29, to seek innovative strategies for Changwon's next 50 years and to establish a foundation for international exchange and cooperation.

On May 30 (local time), Mayor Hong began his visit in Montpellier, where he met with Mayor Micha?l Delafosse to discuss various ways the two cities could exchange and cooperate.

During the meeting, Mayor Micha?l Delafosse expressed his hope for exchanges with Changwon, describing it as an "attractive and young city." Mayor Hong responded by saying he was very interested in Montpellier's policies on attracting young populations and urban infrastructure for population growth.

The Changwon delegation, including Mayor Hong, continued discussions with Montpellier officials, noting the similar paths of development between the two cities. They also carefully examined ways to link Montpellier's policies with those of Changwon.

Additionally, Mayor Hong explored ways to connect Montpellier's active investment in the preservation and development of its historic district?which has helped establish it as a cultural hub in France?with urban regeneration projects in the old Masan and Jinhae areas.

On May 31, the second day of the visit, Mayor Hong and the city delegation experienced the urban railway (tram) and public transportation system operated in Montpellier. Montpellier is known for providing free tram service on six lines to facilitate movement for citizens and students. Mayor Hong closely observed whether there were aspects of the tram system that could inform Changwon's own tram project.

The delegation also visited Montpellier's key industrial complexes (MED Valley, R&D parks in IT and other fields). Montpellier is known for its diverse city-level employment and training programs, as well as its efforts to build partnerships with local businesses. Mayor Hong concluded the two-day schedule in Montpellier by meeting with the Korean Association in Montpellier and local businesspeople to discuss cooperation in the bio and IT sectors and startup support projects.

Mayor Hong said, "I was impressed by Montpellier's dynamic initiatives. When formulating and implementing city policies, even projects that seem different can shine when they are 'integrated' to create synergy." He added, "Going forward, I will consider exchanges in history and culture with France and broaden mutual understanding to achieve co-prosperity between the two cities."