Gyeonggi Province Gov. Kim Dong-yeon, right, speaks with Philippe Bertoux, the French ambassador to Korea, about cooperation in semiconductors, artificial intelligence and startups at the Gyeonggi Provincial Office, Thursday. Courtesy of Gyeonggi Provincial Office

Gyeonggi Province Gov. Kim Dong-yeon met with Philippe Bertoux, the French ambassador to Korea, Thursday, to discuss enhanced cooperation in semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI) and startups.

The talks came as Korea and France prepare to celebrate the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026.

"Next year will mark the 140th anniversary of Korea-France relations, and I believe it will be a year to strengthen our cooperation, especially in industries such as semiconductors, startups and cultural and youth exchanges," Kim said.

Bertoux highlighted Gyeonggi as a key partner for France's local government cooperation efforts, noting that many French companies operating in Korea are based in the province.

The ambassador also discussed France's growing involvement in Korea's semiconductor sector, mentioning companies like industrial gas supplier Air Liquide and environmental solutions provider Veolia, which contribute to the semiconductor supply chain.

Bertoux also said that Air Liquide's chairman, François Jacot, had spoken highly of his previous meeting with Kim during his May 2024 visit.

Kim responded by sharing that he had discussed investment plans with Jacot, which included a $25 million investment in the province, marking significant progress.

The governor also said Gyeonggi is at the forefront of AI development in Korea. "Gyeonggi was the first to establish a dedicated AI road, and we are committed to furthering our AI policies. I hope that this visit will contribute to advancing AI cooperation with France," Kim added.

Since 2016, Gyeonggi Province has maintained a close partnership with Île-de-France, the region surrounding Paris and the most populous of the European country's 18 administrative areas, following the signing of a memorandum of understanding for mutual cooperation. The province has also regularly participated in France's VIVA Tech innovation and startup conferences.

France is home to approximately 590 AI startups and the world's largest startup campus, Station F, making it a global leader in startup incubation.

Gyeonggi Province, home to the renowned Pangyo Techno Valley, has become a hot spot for innovation with around 130 startups, earning it the nickname "Startup Heaven."

Additionally, Gyeonggi is pursuing youth exchange programs with France, including a "Youth Ladder" initiative aimed at fostering exchanges between young people from both countries and nurturing global talent.