Bac Ninh and Gyeongsangbuk provinces expand economic, educational and cultural cooperation

On December 3 in Bac Ninh, Mr. Pham Hoang Son, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, chaired the reception and signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on friendship and cooperation between Bac Ninh province and Gyeongsangbuk province (South Korea) led by Mr. Lee Cheol Woo, Governor, who led the delegation to visit and work. Attending the ceremony were leaders of departments, branches, businesses, and universities of the two localities.

Signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding on friendship and cooperation between Bac Ninh province and Gyeongsangbuk province. (Photo: Bac Ninh Newspaper)

According to the signed Memorandum of Understanding, the two sides agreed to: Increase delegation exchanges and people-to-people exchanges to promote mutual understanding. Cooperate in the fields of economics , trade, agriculture, culture, tourism, health, education and training and other fields of interest to both sides. Create a favorable environment for businesses of both sides to connect and cooperate. Exchange students; provide and exchange stable labor force. Promote the Vietnam Village Project in Bonghwa to promote the Ly Dynasty and the Vietnamese Ly family in Korea.

The Memorandum of Understanding is effective for 5 years and will automatically renew for another 5 years unless there is notice of termination from either party.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Pham Hoang Son affirmed that the Vietnam - Korea friendship is increasingly developing strongly in many fields thanks to the attention of the two countries' senior leaders. Providing general information about the local socio-economic development situation, he said that from July 1, 2025, Bac Ninh province was newly established on the basis of merging Bac Ninh and Bac Giang provinces. The new province has an area of ​​4,719 km², a population of 3.62 million people, the labor force accounts for more than 60%; many socio-economic development indicators are among the leading groups in the country.

Bac Ninh and Gyeongsangbuk have many similarities: both are the locations of Samsung factories - an important driving force for local industrial growth; and at the same time, there are deep cultural and historical ties as Bac Ninh was the homeland of the Ly Dynasty and Gyeongsangbuk was where Prince Ly Long Tuong settled more than 800 years ago. These are considered strong "connecting threads", creating a favorable foundation for cooperation.

Delegations from the two provinces discussed the content of the cooperation agreement. (Photo: Bac Ninh Newspaper)

The Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee emphasized that the relationship between the two localities has been initiated and developed since the affiliated units established cooperation, such as Tu Son city - Bonghwa district (2018), Bac Ninh city - Gumi city (2019). In particular, in November 2023, the two provinces signed a Memorandum of Understanding on friendship cooperation and implemented many activities such as delegation exchanges, investment promotion seminars, cultural exchanges, business meetings, etc.

Mr. Pham Hoang Son believes that the Memorandum of Understanding signed this time will create momentum for the two sides to strengthen comprehensive cooperation in the fields of investment, trade, education, health, science - technology, cultural - social exchange, contributing to deepening the Vietnam - Korea Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The leaders of Bac Ninh province hope that Gyeongsangbuk will continue to introduce Korean enterprises, especially in the industries that Bac Ninh prioritizes for development such as semiconductors, pharmaceuticals - cosmetics, and microbiology, to explore investment opportunities; at the same time, promote cultural exchanges, promote heritage and promote the Vietnam Village Project in Bonghwa to become a symbol of long-term cultural cooperation between the two localities.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Lee Cheol Woo shared his good impressions during his return visit to the province. He further informed about the potential of Gyeongsangbuk - a key locality in industry, scientific research, education and historical tourism of Korea, with 4 regional research centers, 350 R&D centers and 2 software development promotion centers. He suggested that the two localities soon sign a cooperation agreement in Korea and respectfully invited Bac Ninh leaders to visit Gyeongsangbuk in the near future.

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/tinh-bac-ninh-va-gyeongsangbuk-mo-rong-hop-tac-kinh-te-giao-duc-van-hoa-218146.html