By Lee Kap-soo

Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon, who is participating in the World Economic Forum (WEF-Davos Forum) in Switzerland, participated in a series of sessions related to the climate crisis on the opening day of the forum on Jan. 17 (local time) and discussed the role of local governments with representatives of global companies and governments.

In two sessions, 'Accelerating to Net Zero: Manufacturing Innovation Strategy' and 'Accelerating Responsible Renewable Energy,' held at the Kirk Park Village and Waldhus Hotel in Mönche, Gov. Kim said, "Consistency in environmental policies is necessary to reduce carbon, but in many countries, whenever the central government changes, environmental policies change as well, so local governments need to implement consistent policies." 
He also stressed, "It is important for local governments to reduce unnecessary regulations and increase and properly utilize renewable energy while considering the vulnerable and SMEs." 

The day's sessions were attended by CEOs from more than 50 leading green and environmental technology companies, including Unilever, AstraZeneca and Siemens, as well as ministers from European and African countries.

Earlier on the morning of Jan. 16, he met with Kai Beckmann, CEO of Germany's Merck Group, a science and technology company, at the Davos Congress Center, and called for investment in the electronics sector of Gyeonggi Province.

Merck is a 356-year-old science and technology company that built a research center and factory in Poseung National Industrial Complex in Pyeongtaek in 2002 and has since expanded its OLED material research center and semiconductor manufacturing equipment production facilities in Pyeongtaek and Ansan. Since 2002, the company has invested 270 billion won and employed 1,700 people in the province.

Governor Kim said, "The electronic materials supplied by Merck are essential materials for Gyeonggi Province's strategic industries. I ask you to continue to invest in R&D and expand manufacturing facilities." 

In response, Chairman Beckmann said, "We have invested in Gyeonggi Province with a vision. We would like to invite Gov. Kim to our European headquarters."

On the afternoon of Jan. 16, Governor Kim met with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Minister of Communications and Information Josephine Teo, Liaoning Governor Li Liechung, and Maharashtra Chief Minister Ekhnath Shinde, among others, to discuss mutual visits and cooperation.