Governor Kim Yungrok Achieves Success in the Middle East, Engages in Saudi Smart City Project
- Facilitating Involvement of South Korean Companies in Construction Projects, Including Neom City, through Agreements in Riyadh
【International Cooperation Officer: Shin Hyeongon 286-2410, Team Leader of the China Cooperation Team: Jang Ujae 286-2430】

(Attached are five photos from the Saudi Energy Week and COP28 International Forum)
Governor Kim Yungrok actively pursued hosting rights for the 33rd Conference of the Parties (COP33) during the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28). After successful diplomatic endeavors in the Middle East, including securing agreements for Jeollanamdo companies to participate in the construction of smart cities such as “Neom City” in Saudi Arabia, Governor Kim returned to Korea on the 6th.

On the 4th (local time), Jeollanamdo organized the “KoreaSaudi Arabia (KORKSA) Energy Week” in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, inviting energy firms from Jeollanamdo and prominent Saudi entities, including the Saudi Tuwaiq Group and PEDCO. Governor Kim Yungrok, Ambassador Park Joonyong of the Republic of Korea to Saudi Arabia, the Director of Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) Trade Office in Riyadh Kim Dusik, and key business figures from both countries attended the event.

Continuing their exploration of global markets, including Dubai, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam, the Jeonnam Renewable Energy Consortium, focusing on solar, thermal, telecommunication, microgrid, and administrative solutions, has agreed to participate in a smart city project led by a Saudi company.

Jeollanamdo solidified an agreement facilitating the involvement of Jeollanamdo enterprises, including Geumchul Inc. from Naju, in the Digital Collabonomics Complex (DCC) project. This ambitious initiative, amounting to KRW 5.5 trillion, aims to develop a data-driven smart city spanning 660,000 square meters in Al-Qassim Province, Saudi Arabia.

PEDCO and LowCarbon Inc. have formally signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to jointly participate in climate technology initiatives, including projects in direct air capture and carbon storage (DACCS) and zero-carbon energy endeavors such as blue hydrogen. This strategic partnership is driven by the anticipated demand for climate technology within the ambitious Neom City project, currently underway in conjunction with the 2030 Expo and Saudi Arabia.

As a participant in the Neom City construction, Alkhorayef Group has entered into a partnership with Geumchul Inc., pledging to invest KRW 30 billion by 2024 for product supply and factory establishment. The agreement also outlines their collaboration in a KRW 1.3 trillion initiative within the Jeollanamdo Energy Enterprise Alliance, focusing on solar power, solar heating, smart farms, energy storage systems (ESS), and telecommunications.

Moreover, during their meeting in Riyadh, Jeollanamdo engaged in discussions with Majed bin Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Hogail, the Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing of Saudi Arabia. The deliberations focused on collaborative initiatives between Jeollanamdo’s “Solar City” and Saudi Arabia’s “Neom City,” including the development of smart farms and other cooperative efforts in the field. This meeting marked a pivotal moment in shaping the future expansion of friendly exchange and collaboration between Saudi government agencies, key regions, and Jeollanamdo.

Until the 1st, Governor Kim Yungrok participated in COP28 in Dubai, UAE, for two days. During this period, he presided over the “International Forum on Carbon Neutrality Strategies for Coastal Areas,” organized by Jeollanamdo, with the aim of presenting Jeollanamdo’s active efforts in achieving carbon neutrality. Furthermore, the forum sought to promote endeavors to secure hosting rights for COP33 in Korea’s southern coastal and southern regions.

During the opening ceremony of the conference, Governor Kim proposed to the Alternative Chief of the Delegation, Kim Hyoeun, part of the government delegation, to support the bid for hosting COP33 and suggested the designation of a host city. Furthermore, he met with Frank Cownie, the President of ICLEI, the world’s largest network of local governments, sharing measures for climate crisis response, including Jeollanamdo’s carbon neutrality policy and garnering support.

During the international forum on “Carbon Neutrality Strategies for Coastal Areas,” convened at COP28, Governor Kim emphasized the need for strengthened collaboration and solidarity with cities worldwide to address climate change. Moreover, he appealed for support in securing the hosting bid for COP33.

On the 2nd, Jeollanamdo showcased representative Korean products such as Naju pears, paprika, seaweed, and yuzu at a promotional event featuring tastings in Dubai. This garnered enthusiastic responses from locals and established a solid foundation for expanding exports to the Middle East.

◇ Photo Captions
(“2023 KoreaSaudi Arabia (KORKSA) Energy Week” event in Saudi Arabia)
On the 4th (local time) at the “2023 KoreaSaudi Arabia (KORKSA) Energy Week” event in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, Governor Kim Yungrok of Jeollanamdo, amid his Middle East tour, joins a commemorative photo session with key dignitaries, foreign guests, and corporate officials.

(Meeting with the Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing of Saudi Arabia)
During an official visit to the Middle East, Governor Kim Yungrok exchanges greetings with Majed bin Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Hogail, Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing of Saudi Arabia, on the 4th (local time).

(International Forum on Jeollanamdo’s “Carbon Neutrality Strategies for Coastal Areas” at COP28 / 1)
Presently in the Middle East on an official visit, Governor Kim Yungrok of Jeollanamdo delivers the opening remarks at the “Carbon Neutrality Strategies for Coastal Areas” international forum, organized by Jeollanamdo and held at the ICLEI Hall in the Blue Zone during the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on the 1st (local time).

(International Forum on Jeollanamdo’s “Carbon Neutrality Strategies for Coastal Areas” at COP28 / 2)
Currently in the Middle East on an official visit, Governor Kim Yungrok of Jeollanamdo joins attendees in a call for solidarity in the pursuit of carbon neutrality at the “Carbon Neutrality Strategies for Coastal Areas” international forum, organized by Jeollanamdo and held at the ICLEI Hall in the Blue Zone during the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on the 1st (local time).