Kim Dong-yeon Meets Madrid Governor of Spain to Discuss Cooperation in Startup and AI Sectors

Governor Kim Dong-yeon Discusses Economic and Advanced Industry Cooperation with Madrid Governor
Governor Kim Dong-yeon "Looking Forward to Strengthened Cooperation Between Madrid Province and Gyeonggi-do"

Ahead of the 75th anniversary of Korea-Spain diplomatic relations in 2025, Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon met with Isabel D?az Ayuso, Governor of the Madrid region in Spain, at the Gyeonggi Provincial Office on the 25th to discuss areas of cooperation between the two regional governments.

On the afternoon of the 25th, at Seohui Hall in Gyeonggi Provincial Government, Isabel D?az Ayuso, Governor of the Madrid region in Spain, presented a Madrid regional souvenir to Kim Dong-yeon, Governor of Gyeonggi Province. Provided by Gyeonggi Province

Governor D?az Ayuso visited Gyeonggi Province on her first trip to Korea to explore opportunities for cooperation in investment, digital technology, culture, and other fields. Both governors agreed on the importance of intergovernmental cooperation amid changing international circumstances and agreed to establish consultation channels to explore cooperation in advanced industries such as AI, startups, healthcare, tourism, and cultural sectors.

Governor Kim Dong-yeon mentioned that Alcal? de Henares, the hometown of Cervantes, the author of Don Quixote, is located in the Madrid region, saying, “I have read the complete translation of Don Quixote. Since serving as Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs and entering politics, I have often thought about what Don Quixote’s windmills might represent in Korean society and have made efforts toward innovation.”

He continued, “I heard that the governor is very interested in healthcare, digitalization, and cultural exchange. I also understand that you will visit companies in Gyeonggi Province such as Samsung, Hyundai, and LG,” adding, “I hope we can establish a good cooperative relationship for future investment and business expansion. At the same time, I look forward to strengthened cooperation between the Madrid region and Gyeonggi Province in startups, AI, and tourism.”

Governor D?az Ayuso stated, “The Madrid region is like the economic engine of Spain, playing a significant role in finance, insurance, and education industries. It is a region open to everyone with its rich culture, gastronomy, and various sports and entertainment events,” and added, “Through this visit, I aim to strengthen economic, technological, and cultural relations with Korea, including Gyeonggi Province.”

She also said, “Having come to Korea and seen it firsthand, I felt that it is highly developed not only industrially and technologically but also culturally,” and expressed hope to continue working with Gyeonggi Province next year.

Governor Kim Dong-yeon and Governor D?az Ayuso promised to make official reciprocal visits at the earliest convenient time.

The Madrid region, which includes the capital city Madrid and its metropolitan area, ranks first in Spain in GDP (26.2 billion euros in 2022) and attracts more than 75% of Spain’s investment. It is the economic, political, and cultural center of the Iberian Peninsula and is especially recognized as the most active region for startups in Spain.

Governor Kim Dong-yeon has been expanding exchanges with Spain, including discussing cooperation plans with Guillermo Kirkpatrick, the Spanish Ambassador to Korea, in March.

In particular, Gyeonggi Province successfully held the ‘2024 Gyeonggi Startup Summit’ last September in cooperation with South Summit, a global startup platform based in Madrid. Gyeonggi Province plans to use the 75th anniversary of Korea-Spain diplomatic relations next year as an opportunity to further enhance cooperation with Spain.