Meeting with French Ambassador, Kim Dong-yeon Discusses Expanding Cooperation on AI, Semiconductors, and Startups

Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon held a meeting with Philippe Bertoux, French Ambassador to Korea, at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government on the 16th to discuss cooperation plans between Gyeonggi Province and France in the fields of semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), and startups ahead of the 140th anniversary of Korea-France diplomatic relations. The year 2026 marks the 140th anniversary of Korea-France diplomatic ties.

During the meeting, Governor Kim said, "Next year is a very meaningful year as it marks the 140th anniversary of Korea-France diplomatic relations, and I believe it will be a year to enhance the cooperative relationship between Korea and France. In particular, I hope to strengthen cooperation in startups, industries including semiconductors, youth exchanges, and cultural exchanges, and Gyeonggi Province will do its best in this regard."

Ambassador Bertoux responded, "Gyeonggi Province is considered a priority hub for France in strengthening cooperation with local governments. When I meet leading business figures from France operating in Korea, I find that many companies are actively engaged in Gyeonggi Province, especially in the high-tech industry sector."

He added, "Among French companies active in the semiconductor industry, there are those that take great pride in participating in Korea's semiconductor supply chain. Air Liquide and Veolia are representative companies. The chairman of Air Liquide expressed a very positive impression of the meeting with the governor. He also mentioned the good meeting with the governor when he visited last May as part of the French business delegation and hopes to have such a good occasion again."

In response, Governor Kim said, "Chairman Fran?ois Jacq of Air Liquide visited and we had many official and unofficial discussions about current and future investment plans in Gyeonggi Province. I believe significant progress has been made."

On the 14th, Governor Kim met with Fran?ois Jacq, chairman of Air Liquide, to discuss an investment plan worth 25 million USD (approximately 35 billion KRW).

Governor Kim also stated, "Gyeonggi Province established Korea's first AI bureau and is the center of the AI industry with a policy focus on AI. We have great interest in AI cooperation with France and hope that progress will be made with the ambassador's visit. Last year, we discussed startup cooperation with the Governor of ?le-de-France in Paris. I hope that cooperation between Gyeonggi Province and France in semiconductors, AI, and startups will be further strengthened."

Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon (right) is seen talking with Philippe Bertoux, the French Ambassador to Korea, at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government office on the 16th. Photo by Gyeonggi Province

The meeting between the two was arranged following a letter Governor Kim sent to Ambassador Bertoux after the emergency martial law situation on December 3 last year.

Regarding the emergency martial law situation, on December 4, the day after the incident, Governor Kim sent a letter to over 2,500 key foreign figures including foreign heads of state, governors, heads of international organizations, ambassadors to Korea, and foreign-invested companies, stating that "the situation in Korea has been well resolved at the national level, and the people have regained stability and are leading calm daily lives."

Ambassador Bertoux is known to have visited Gyeonggi Province to express gratitude for the letter and to discuss domestic political conditions and strengthening bilateral cooperation between Korea and France.

Since signing a friendship and cooperation MOU with ?le-de-France in 2016, Gyeonggi Province has continuously engaged in exchanges by participating annually in France’s innovation and startup technology conference, ‘VIVA Tech,’ with Gyeonggi-based companies.

France boasts about 590 AI startup companies and the world’s largest startup campus, ‘Station F,’ establishing global competitiveness in startup cultivation. Gyeonggi Province, having established Korea’s first AI bureau, is focusing on nurturing this sector. About 130 innovative startups are located in Pangyo Techno Valley, which is known as the ‘Startup Heaven.’

Additionally, last year, Gyeonggi Province discussed youth exchanges with ?le-de-France and is promoting the ‘Youth Ladder’ program with French universities. This program aims to activate exchanges between young people of both countries and foster global talent.