Chungnam Province Discusses Ways to Expand Cooperation with Heilongjiang Delegation from China

Seeking Expanded Exchanges and Cooperation
on the 10th Anniversary of Sisterhood

On the 10th anniversary of the sisterhood alliance, we discussed exchange and cooperation plans with the delegation from Heilongjiang Province, China, who visited Chungnam Province.

Chungnam Province has decided to expand future exchanges and cooperation in various fields with Heilongjiang Province, China, as they mark the 10th anniversary of their sisterhood relationship.

On the 18th, a delegation from Heilongjiang Province led by Yang Hongping, Deputy Director of the Foreign Affairs Office, who visited Chungnam Province, and relevant officials including Yoon Jooyoung, Director of Investment and Trade Policy of the province, held a meeting in the morning to discuss ways to expand exchanges and cooperation.

During the meeting, both sides agreed to seek mutual development for both regions by expanding exchanges and cooperation in various fields such as economy, industry, culture, and tourism.

Heilongjiang Province covers an area of 473,000 km², which is more than 57 times larger than the province (8,247.21 km²), and has a population of 31.85 million (as of 2023), about 14 times larger than the province (2,135,373 people).

As of last year, the region's gross regional domestic product (GRDP) stood at 220 billion dollars (1.5901 trillion yuan), and industries such as agriculture and livestock, pharmaceuticals, bio, heavy industry, eco-friendly sectors, and ice and snow tourism have developed based on abundant resources.

Heilongjiang Province is also a region that has maintained close historical and cultural ties with Korea, with many traces of Korean ancestors remaining. It is not only a place imbued with the spirit of independence fighters such as Ahn Junggeun, but also a home to many ethnic Koreans (Joseonjok).

Although the sisterhood relationship between Chungnam Province and Heilongjiang Province has lasted for 10 years, friendly exchanges began 29 years ago, with both regions building trust and friendship over a long period.

At the meeting, Yang Hongping, Deputy Director of Heilongjiang Province, said, "I hope the 10th anniversary of our sisterhood will be the starting point for a new leap in cooperation between the two regions," emphasizing the strengthening of economic and industrial networks and inviting the province and local companies to the Harbin Trade Fair to be held this year.

Yoon Jooyoung, Director of Investment and Trade Policy of the province, responded, "As this year marks the 10th anniversary of our sisterhood, practical exchanges and achievements in trade and investment for future-oriented exchanges between the two regions are important," adding, "We will work together to make our local governments a model of exchange and cooperation through unwavering friendship."

Meanwhile, after visiting the provincial government office, the Heilongjiang Province delegation visited Hongseong County to discuss exchange and cooperation with Cho Gwanghee, Deputy Governor of Hongseong, and with Mudanjiang and Heihe in Heilongjiang Province, and also visited the Yun Bonggil Memorial Hall in Yesan County.