Gyeonggi Governor Kim Dong-yeon, who is visiting the United States to attract foreign investment and expand youth opportunities, formed a consensus with Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer on the need for an innovation alliance in strategic industries such as automobiles and renewable energy. Governor Kim also fulfilled his role as a diplomatic envoy by requesting support for hosting the 2030 Busan Expo with the Hyundai-Kia Motors Institute of Technology (HATCI) in Michigan.
Governor Kim met Governor Whitmer at the Governor’s Office (Cadillac Place) located in Detroit, Michigan, USA at 3:00 pm (local time) on the 11th. “When the US Ambassador visited Gyeonggi-do last time, we established an innovation alliance beyond a value alliance,” he said. He proposed that Gyeonggi-do and Michigan form an innovation alliance.”
zoom inProvided by Gyeonggi-doThe Innovation Alliance means a cooperative relationship for the innovative economy, and Governor Kim requested the promotion of practical-level cooperation in these new industries that day.
In response, Governor Whitmer said, “It is the same idea. The two regions have many things in common in technology and economy, too. If we work together in the future, we will get synergy,” he said.
Governor Kim also asked for cooperation with the Gyeonggi Youth Ladder Program, which is being promoted by the province.
Governor Kim said, “I hope the governor will be interested in helping young people open their eyes to a new world and challenge new opportunities.” Governor Whitmer replied, “I’ll see if the state can help too.”
zoom inProvided by Gyeonggi-doMichigan is home to the three major US automakers, GM, Ford, and Fiat, as well as auto parts and industrial equipment companies, and is leading the response to climate change through the production of electric vehicles and batteries.
Gyeonggi-do signed its first friendship and cooperation agreement with Michigan in September 2011, and Gyeonggi-do is also continuing its exchange and cooperative relationship, with a delegation headed by the 1st vice-governor visiting Michigan in 2016. Gyeonggi-do expects to be able to cooperate with Michigan in the fields of eco-friendly vehicles, hydrogen industry, self-driving car demonstration complex, new and renewable energy, and the Gyeonggi Youth Ladder Program.
Governor Kim visited the Hyundai-Kia Motors Institute of Technology (HATCI) in Ann Arbor, Michigan at 10:00 am and discussed with Director John Robb about countermeasures against the US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
Governor Kim said he would seek cooperation from officials, including the governor of Michigan, after asking and answering questions for about 30 minutes about the progress of Hyundai and Kia Motors’ entry into the US market and their response to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). He said that there are many excellent students in the automotive department at Gyeonggi-do University, and asked for cooperation so that related students could receive education at Haechi.
zoom inProvided by Gyeonggi-doAfter the conversation, Governor Kim took a look at the car test site operated in Haechi under the guidance of Director John Robb, and also heard an explanation of a new model of Kia Motors, which is scheduled to be released in the US market this fall. Afterwards, he climbed into an electric car sold in the US market and drove for about 5 minutes, discussing the future of electric cars with Director John Robb. After the site visit, I had lunch with about 30 Korean employees working at Haechi and had time to encourage them.
Governor Kim plans to complete his schedule in Michigan and move to New York on the night of the 11th local time to engage in activities to attract foreign investment.
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Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.