Expansion of Comprehensive Cooperation in Corporate Support and Research
Driven by Completion of EcoPro BM's Debrecen Plant
Synergy Anticipated Between Secondary Battery Material Cluster
and Debrecen's Battery and Automotive Industry Cluster
Steel King Now Aims to Become Battery King!
Pohang City, once renowned for its 'invincible steel legend,' has taken a step toward writing a new chapter as the 'K-Battery Special Zone' by connecting with Debrecen, Hungary, home to Europe's largest battery production base.
On the 28th (local time), Pohang City signed a friendship exchange agreement (MOU) with Debrecen, the second largest city in Hungary, to expand future new industry cooperation centered on the battery industry, as well as to promote talent and cultural exchanges.
On the 28th, Pohang City signed a friendship exchange agreement (MOU) with Debrecen City, the second largest city in Hungary, to expand future new industry cooperation centered on the battery industry, as well as talent and cultural exchanges. Provided by Pohang City
This agreement was prompted by the completion of EcoPro BM's local plant in Debrecen, Hungary, and aims to launch full-fledged, mutually complementary cooperation between Pohang's secondary battery material industry and Debrecen's global battery and automotive industry cluster.
Debrecen is emerging as a key hub of the European battery belt, attracting large-scale investments from global companies such as BMW and CATL. This highlights the shared industrial identity and development strategies between Debrecen and Pohang, which is Korea's leading industrial city equipped with secondary battery materials, steel, energy, and maritime industries.
The signing ceremony was attended by Lee Kangdeok, Mayor of Pohang, Lee Dongchae, Chairman of EcoPro, and other executives and staff. On the Hungarian side, key figures including Laszlo Papp, Mayor of Debrecen, participated, marking the beginning of cooperation between the two cities.
Mayor Lee Kangdeok stated, "Pohang and Debrecen share many similarities in their battery-centered new industry strategies," emphasizing, "If Pohang's secondary battery material cluster is linked with Debrecen's battery and automotive industry cluster, we will create strong synergies throughout the global battery value chain." He added that the two cities would continue close communication to identify and develop practical cooperative projects in the future.
Through this MOU, the two cities agreed to gradually pursue cooperation in the following areas: ▲ battery and eco-friendly energy industries ▲ joint research and talent exchange between universities and research institutions ▲ sharing urban strategies such as smart cities and eco-friendly transportation ▲ expanding exchanges in culture, tourism, and sports. In particular, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) and Handong Global University will collaborate with the University of Debrecen to promote joint research and talent development programs in the secondary battery, bio, and digital fields.
Additionally, Debrecen will share its policy and operational experience related to medical schools, and Pohang plans to request advice and cooperation needed for discussions on establishing a medical school in the region.
On the 27th, prior to the visit to Debrecen, Pohang City officials laid flowers at the memorial for the Danube River cruise ship disaster in Hungary. They also held discussions with the Hungarian Korean Association, World-OKTA Budapest Chapter, and KOTRA Budapest Trade Office, which are at the forefront of Hungary-Korea economic exchanges, to explore ways to strengthen economic and industrial cooperation.
Furthermore, Pohang City appointed Choi Gwiseon, President of the Hungarian Korean Association, Lee Seongil, Vice President, and Lee Youngin, President of the World-OKTA Budapest Chapter, as overseas promotional advisors, thereby strengthening its local network base.
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