Mayor Lee Donghwan Leads Investment and Cooperation in Future High-Tech Industries in Dresden, Germany

Mayor Lee Donghwan Strengthens Global Cooperation in Semiconductors and Biotechnology
at the Heart of "Silicon Saxony" in Dresden, Germany
Visits to Lipotype, Von Ardenne Institute, and NXP Semiconductors
Mayor Dirk Hilbert: "Goyang is now a city I definitely want to visit"

Lee Donghwan, Mayor of Goyang Special City, arrived in Dresden, Germany, the core city of the European high-tech industry cluster known as "Silicon Saxony." There, he held in-depth discussions on investment and cooperation with global companies and research institutions in future industries such as semiconductors and biotechnology.

Lee Donghwan, mayor of Goyang Special City (left), is taking a commemorative photo with Oliver Uecke, Chief Operating Officer of Reportype, on the 8th. Provided by Goyang Special City

On September 8 (local time) in Dresden, Mayor Lee expanded cooperation with global companies and relevant organizations, and strengthened the foundation for attracting investment in future high-tech industries in line with the development of the Goyang Free Economic Zone and Ilsan Technovalley.

First, Mayor Lee visited Lipotype GmbH, a world-leading bio research company in lipidomics (the study of cellular lipid metabolism), to discuss the potential for technology commercialization and investment in precision medical solutions.

Mayor Lee stated, "Lipotype utilizes lipid analysis technology in pharmaceutical development and personalized treatment research, which is expected to closely align with Goyang's focus on fostering the bio and healthcare industries. I believe we can explore new growth opportunities together with advanced bioanalysis companies like Lipotype."

In response, Oliver Uecke, Chief Operating Officer, said, "We consider Korea an important market, second only to the United States. By sharing infrastructure with seven general hospitals, including the National Cancer Center, we hope to build a mutually beneficial partnership and create opportunities for joint development."

Lee Donghwan, mayor of Goyang Special City (left), is taking a commemorative photo with Dirk Hilbert, mayor of Dresden, on the 8th. Provided by Goyang Special City

Mayor Lee then visited Dresden City Hall, where he met with Mayor Dirk Hilbert and officials to hear about the implementation of Silicon Saxony, global company attraction strategies, foreign investment promotion policies, and cooperation models among cities, companies, universities, and research institutions. They held in-depth discussions on the potential for cooperation between the two cities.

Mayor Dirk Hilbert commented, "Thanks to Mayor Lee's visit, Goyang has become a city I definitely want to visit. I hope there will be opportunities for cooperation in the bio and mobility industries, and if you invite us to next year's flower expo, we will consider participating."

In response, Mayor Lee said, "Dresden and Goyang have both achieved harmonious development of industry and culture, and there is great potential for synergy in various fields. I hope our two cities can leverage each other's strengths to achieve sustainable growth and an innovative future together."

Donghwan Lee, Mayor of Goyang Special City (third from the left), is inspecting the Von Ardenne Institute. Provided by Goyang Special City

Next, at the Von Ardenne Institute of Applied Medical Research, which researches and manufactures advanced medical devices such as high-frequency hyperthermia equipment, Mayor Lee explored possibilities for investment to create a bio and precision medicine cluster. He also proposed that European research institutions utilize the Goyang Free Economic Zone and Ilsan Technovalley as business hubs in Northeast Asia.

Mayor Lee stated, "The Von Ardenne Institute is leading the future of the global bio and medical industry with its innovative research and medical technology. I am confident that expanding networks and exchanges with Goyang will further enhance our global competitiveness."

Andrej Wolf, Chief Executive Officer, responded, "I am very impressed by Goyang City's direct efforts to attract corporate investment. We will positively consider establishing a research institute and look for ways to create synergy with Goyang City, which has a solid infrastructure."

Additionally, during his visit to NXP Semiconductors Germany, a leader in future industries such as smart mobility, cybersecurity, and high-resolution radar sensors, Michael Philipp, Senior Engineer, said, "NXP Semiconductors has a close relationship with Korea, and if Goyang becomes a free economic zone, we would like to participate. We hope to contribute to technological innovation and industrial development together."

Mayor Lee replied, "Goyang has well-established infrastructure, as demonstrated by its selection as a pilot zone for autonomous vehicles. This will be a crucial foundation for fostering and testing the smart mobility industry. I look forward to opening new possibilities for development in collaboration with NXP Semiconductors' innovative technologies."

Lee Donghwan, Mayor of Goyang Special City (left), and Christoph Hollenders, Honorary Consul in Korea, are shaking hands. Provided by Goyang Special City

As the final event of the day, Mayor Lee met with Christoph Hollenders, Honorary Consul in Korea, to seek advice on Goyang's investment promotion strategy for the Free Economic Zone, based on Dresden's advanced industry development strategies, successful company attraction factors, and Korea-Germany exchange experience. They also discussed industry-academia-research cooperation models between Korea and Germany.

Mayor Lee said, "Dresden has established itself as a global innovation cluster in semiconductors and biotechnology. Through this visit, Goyang will expand cooperation with global companies and research institutions, and establish a bridgehead to foster the Goyang Free Economic Zone as a strategic business hub in Northeast Asia."

Meanwhile, Goyang City is pursuing the realization of a self-sustaining city by attracting bio-medical, media and content, and high-tech companies to Ilsan Technovalley, and is promoting sustainable economic development and quality job creation through the Goyang Free Economic Zone initiative. For foreign-invested and repatriated domestic companies, the city plans to offer a variety of incentives, including a 100% exemption from customs duties for five years and a 100% exemption from acquisition and property taxes for 15 years.