Governor Oh Younghoon Meets Chinese Ambassador to Korea, Expects "Expansion of Practical Cooperation"

Seeking Ways to Strengthen Korea-China Cooperation in Economy, Tourism, and Culture
Jeju-Qingdao Regular Container Route Launched in October as a New Opportunity

On the afternoon of the 17th, Governor Oh Younghoon and Dai Bing, Ambassador of China to Korea, held a meeting at the Embassy of China in Korea to discuss practical cooperation expansion measures between Jeju and China. Provided by Jeju Special Self-Governing Province

On the afternoon of the 17th, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province announced that Governor Oh Younghoon and Dai Bing, Ambassador of China to Korea, held a meeting at the Embassy of China in Korea to discuss practical measures for expanding cooperation between Jeju and China.

This meeting was organized to mark the 33rd anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and China, share the achievements of past exchanges, and further strengthen practical cooperation in areas such as economic and trade relations, cultural tourism, and people-to-people exchanges between the two regions.

During the meeting, Governor Oh Younghoon stated, "The regular container shipping route between Jeju and Qingdao, which was successfully launched in October, is becoming a new turning point for exchanges between the two regions." He expressed his gratitude, saying, "Thanks to the support and encouragement from the Embassy of China in Korea, the route was able to launch successfully."

He also shared his experience attending the opening ceremony in Qingdao, saying, "Through the warm welcome and participation of the Party Secretary of Shandong Province, I was able to confirm China's strong interest in Jeju." He further expressed his expectations by stating, "If this route is expanded to include cruise lines, both human and material exchanges will be further revitalized."

Jeju Province expects that the Qingdao route will increase cargo volume, including the export of fresh seafood and processed products with long shelf lives, by utilizing refrigerated and frozen facilities.

The recovery of people-to-people exchanges is also evident. Governor Oh reported, "Recently, the number of Chinese tourists has increased by more than 12% compared to the same month last year, rapidly returning to pre-COVID-19 levels."

This is seen as the result of the reaffirmed Korea-China strategic cooperative partnership at the recent Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, the expansion of visa-free policies, the resumption of direct flights between Jeju and Shanghai, and the revitalization of cruise tourism.

Exports to China are also performing well. In October this year, exports to China reached 20 million dollars, a 222.6% surge compared to the same period last year.

Exports of copper and scrap (7.21 million dollars, up 395%), aircraft parts (3.88 million dollars, up 421.7%), and pharmaceuticals (3.44 million dollars, up 487.2%) drove the growth. In particular, confectionery products such as tangerine snacks reached 766,000 dollars, an increase of 648.7% year-on-year, proving the competitiveness of Jeju's specialty products in the Chinese market.

Ambassador Dai Bing commented on the Jeju-Qingdao route, saying, "There is a saying in China that 'the beginning is the most difficult part of everything,' but now, as logistics as well as people-to-people exchanges are expanding, tangible results are emerging." He added, "I expect the recognition and cargo volume of this route to gradually increase."

He also stated, "The reaffirmation of the Korea-China strategic cooperative partnership by the leaders of both countries at APEC and the consensus to deepen exchanges in various fields will provide new opportunities for Jeju's cooperation with China."

Since the launch of the 8th popularly elected administration, Jeju Province has been steadily expanding cooperation with major cities in ASEAN, including China. Through initiatives such as the 'Korea-China Coastal Consultation Body,' the province is actively working to establish strategic cooperation platforms among local governments.

In addition, with the resumption of direct flights between Jeju and Shanghai, the restart of cruise tourism, and the opening of the Jeju-Qingdao logistics route, exchanges between the two regions are rapidly recovering and expanding, which is expected to further strengthen the foundation for future cooperation.

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