Air Liquide and Chungnam Discuss Strategies for Attracting Foreign Investment and Green Energy Collaboration
Governor Kim Taeheum Meets CEO Francois Jackow in Paris to Mark 140 Years of Korea-France Diplomatic Relations
Kim Taeheum, Governor of Chungnam Province, visited the headquarters of Air Liquide, a global industrial gas company, in Paris, France during his European trip aimed at expanding foreign investment. There, he held a strategic meeting with CEO Francois Jackow.
According to the provincial government, the meeting took place at the Air Liquide headquarters on the morning of the 24th local time. The discussion lasted for an hour and thirty minutes, covering a wide range of topics including global political and economic issues, strategies to increase foreign investment in Chungnam, and green energy policies for carbon neutrality.
Governor Kim mentioned the recent heavy rain damage in the Chungnam region and stated, "Although the situation is challenging in many ways, I pushed ahead with this European trip to fulfill my duties and keep my promises."
In response, CEO Jackow said, "Responding to natural disasters is important, but in the long term, efforts to reduce carbon emissions to address climate change are essential. Air Liquide is expanding future investments focused on green energy such as hydrogen, and we strongly support the policy direction of Chungnam Province."
He also proposed, "Let us promote meaningful collaborative projects between Chungnam and French companies to commemorate the 140th anniversary of Korea-France diplomatic relations next year." Governor Kim replied, "We will positively consider that."
Regarding Air Liquide's investment in Chungnam, Governor Kim evaluated it as "an excellent choice that aligns with our policy direction" and added, "If there are any additional investment plans or difficulties, the provincial government will provide full support."
He particularly emphasized the issue of workforce supply, stating, "We will actively seek solutions through contract-based departments in cooperation with local universities."
Air Liquide is a global leader in the field of industrial and medical specialty gases, supplying high-purity rare gases essential for advanced industries such as semiconductors, batteries, and aerospace through its global supply chain.
The company has maintained a long-standing cooperative relationship with Chungnam since establishing its Cheonan plant in 1998, and has made significant contributions to the development of the local industry through ongoing facility expansion.
Francois Jackow, CEO, also serves as the chairman of the Korea-France Business Committee under the 'Mouvement des Entreprises de France,' the largest private economic organization in France. He is recognized for his deep understanding of and interest in economic cooperation and investment with Korea.
The provincial government plans to use this meeting with Air Liquide as a starting point to hold a series of meetings with various global companies in Europe and actively pursue foreign investment attraction activities.
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