Kim Dong-yeon Attends 'Davos Forum', Discusses Economic Issues with Global Economic Leaders

Davos Forum Invitation Guide Page

Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon, attending the World Economic Forum (WEF, Davos Forum) to strengthen international exchanges and attract investment, had the opportunity to engage in discussions with global economic leaders on economic issues.

On the 18th (local time), Governor Kim attended the International Global World Economic Leaders meeting (IGWEL) held at the Davos Congress Center under the theme of "Preventing Economic Fracture."

The IGWEL is an exclusive gathering attended only by top-level figures invited, including the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), finance ministers of major countries, central bank governors, and representatives of international organizations.

Among Korean figures invited to the World Economic Forum so far, Governor Kim is the only one to have attended IGWEL. He was also the sole representative from global local governments invited to this year’s World Economic Forum.

Gyeonggi Province explained that Governor Kim was invited not only because of his current position as head of a metropolitan local government but also due to his extensive experience and insight demonstrated through his previous roles as Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, work at the World Bank, and president of Ajou University.

The meeting, chaired by IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, was attended by 50 figures including finance ministers, central bank governors, and representatives of international organizations from major countries.

The theme of the meeting, "Preventing Economic Fracture," was selected to discuss the need for an inclusive and integrated global market recovery amid a vulnerable and uncertain world economy. All remarks and participation details were kept strictly confidential.

Immediately after the meeting, Governor Kim said, "Seeing top leaders gather to discuss the global economy was very inspiring and impressive," adding, "It also made me think whether South Korea has been too detached from the rapidly changing international situation."

Following the IGWEL, Governor Kim held a special session titled "Gyeonggi and the Innovator."

In the session, Governor Kim stated, "Gyeonggi Province is the center of South Korea’s economy and advanced industries," and explained, "We are working to create a ‘Startup Paradise,’ which was a campaign pledge during my presidential and gubernatorial candidacies."

Governor Kim identified three key directions for Gyeonggi’s startup policies: ▲ Clustering (space), ▲ Networking (connection), and ▲ Globalization.

He explained the spatial and connectivity plans, saying, "We plan to implement the ‘Pangyo+20 Project,’ creating 660,000 square meters (200,000 pyeong) of startup space across more than 20 regional hubs centered on Pangyo Techno Valley, known as Korea’s Silicon Valley," and "Gyeonggi Province currently operates GAIA, an industry-academia networking program, to foster various exchanges and cooperation programs among startups."

He also revealed plans for globalization, stating that in the second half of this year, a large-scale international investment attraction expo will be held at Pangyo Techno Valley, inviting over 3,000 domestic and international startups and more than 1,000 investors.

GAIA stands for "Gyeonggi Academia-Industry Alliance," a permanent consultative body composed of universities, associations, and research institutes related to six future growth industries including digital transformation and semiconductors.

After the introduction, Governor Kim emphasized, "Come to Gyeonggi Province. We will provide solid support," and added, "If you are looking to start a business, invest, or find promising venture startups or good cooperation partners, Gyeonggi Province is the optimal place."

The session was attended by representatives from seven startups.

One startup representative said, "South Korea is well advanced in informatization, and I am especially interested in Gyeonggi Province," adding, "I appreciate Governor Kim Dong-yeon’s explanation and want to actively participate in Gyeonggi’s startup policies."

Notably, Jeong Se-ju, CEO of Noom, a world-renowned digital healthcare startup originating from Korea, said, "It was very difficult coming alone to the U.S. for the first time," and promised, "Koreans will actively cooperate and help to create a startup boom."

Robot Falk, CEO of Einride, a Swedish electric truck and autonomous vehicle manufacturer, expressed, "I want to do business with Korea in the advanced mobility industry," and hoped, "I look forward to visiting Gyeonggi Province soon to discuss business."

There was also a CEO who revealed a connection with Korea.

Daniel Nasralla, CEO of Ada Health, a German AI-based doctor health management app developer, said, "My mother is Korean, so I know Korea well and have worked there," and expressed, "I want to do business with Gyeonggi Province."

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