Mayor of South Korea’s second-biggest city, Busan, describes Liverpool as ‘amazing’ as he signs a five-year co-operation agreement with Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram. Tony McDonough reports
Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Mayor of the South Korean port city of Busan, Park Heong-Joon.
This five-year MOU will see the two city regions, both global ports, commit to active co-operation initially linked to innovation in digital, smart cities, clean energy and net zero, and health.
Busan is South Korea’s second city and the world’s fifth busiest port, serving as Korea’s biggest trading hub. Under the MOU, the city regions will foster a strategic innovation partnership and promote science, education, trade and investment exchanges.
Mr Rotheram said: ““As a region based around one of the world’s most famous port cities, our area has always been as an open and outward looking place.
“While our reputation for culture, music and sport may precede us on the global stage, we know that our unique strengths and assets in science, innovation and research are what continues to attract partners from around the world to want to work with us.
“I believe we have all the capabilities, assets – and the political will – to take our area to the forefront of UK science and innovation and take advantage of the many thousands of jobs and training opportunities it will bring to our area.”
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Liverpool city region is one of only four places selected to take part in the Government’s UK-Republic of Korea Innovation Twins Programme, delivered by Connected Places Catapult. The programme looks to drive international collaboration
Park Heong-Joon, Mayor of Busan Metropolitan City in South Korea, added: “The city of Liverpool is amazing. I’ve been impressed that historical and contemporary features harmoniously coexist.
“Today’s MoU and the Innovative Twins project will become a catalyst to further bolster bilateral ties between the two port cities across various avenues from green technology, smart city, R&D, port regeneration, to culture.
“The two cities share much in common – not to mention, the two cities are home to great musicians, Beatles and BTS. I believe the cities have got huge potential to facilitate co-operation in the years to come and this will mutually benefit our people in the regions.”