Wando-gun Gains Momentum in Promoting Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation Projects

Enforcement of the Amendment to the Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation Act, Establishing a Foundation for Local Government-Led Projects

In November of last year, Wando County and the South-North Economic and Cultural Cooperation Foundation signed a business agreement. (Photo by Wando County)

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Choi Kyung-pil] Wando County, Jeonnam (Governor Shin Woo-cheol) announced on the 12th that the inter-Korean exchange and cooperation projects they have been preparing will gain momentum following the full enforcement of the revised "Act on Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation" as of the 9th.

The revision and enforcement of this law, which specifies local governments as the main agents of inter-Korean cooperation projects and establishes the legal basis for the "Local Government Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation Policy Council," has laid the legal foundation for promoting cooperation projects centered on local governments.

On November 29 last year, Wando County signed a business agreement with the Korea Foundation for Inter-Korean Economic and Cultural Cooperation (Chairman Lim Jong-seok) to promote sustainable exchange and cooperation projects with northern cities based on the principles of joint prosperity between North and South Korea and citizen participation.

Since then, Wando County has participated in video conferences involving four local governments nationwide to form the "National City, County, and District Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation Forum," establishing an organic cooperative system with business agreement local governments including the Korea Foundation for Inter-Korean Economic and Cultural Cooperation.

Additionally, as a cooperation project between North and South Korean cities, Wando County has proposed specialized projects linked to its key marine bio-industry to the Korea Foundation and is strengthening its cooperative relationship with the Foundation as a communication channel to select northern exchange cities that fit Wando County's characteristics.

Governor Shin Woo-cheol stated, "I am pleased that the revision and enforcement of the Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation Act have established an important foundation for the inter-Korean city cooperation projects we are preparing," and added, "I hope that cooperation projects for mutual development between our county and northern cities will be promoted as soon as possible."

Meanwhile, Wando County is scheduled to attend the inaugural general meeting of the "National City, County, and District Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation Forum," held on the 16th at Seoul Sowol Art Hall, as a preparation committee member, with participation from 37 local governments nationwide.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.