On March 31, 2025, President Michele de Pascale of Emilia-Romagna met with Choi Tae Ho, the Consul General of South Korea, in a significant meeting aimed at strengthening ties between the two regions. The meeting took place in viale Aldo Moro, where both leaders expressed a shared commitment to enhance relations and exchanges that have already begun to flourish.
Choi Tae Ho, who represents South Korea across eight northern Italian regions, including Emilia-Romagna, made a courtesy visit to de Pascale to discuss future collaborations. During their conversation, Choi emphasized his desire to intensify the partnership with the region, highlighting the mutual benefits that such cooperation could bring.
President de Pascale echoed Choi's sentiments, underscoring the importance of fostering synergies in various sectors of mutual interest. These sectors include big data, artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, automotive, aerospace, agro-industry and agro-mechanics, life sciences and biotechnology, green technologies, as well as culture and creativity.
The meeting comes on the heels of several successful exchanges between South Korea and Emilia-Romagna in recent years. In March 2024, a regional mission traveled to South Korea, engaging with universities, business clusters, and associations. This mission was pivotal in establishing ongoing relationships with various stakeholders in the Emilia-Romagna region.
To further solidify these ties, a protocol of understanding was signed between Art-ER, the Daejeon Technopark, and Diva, a South Korean company focused on fostering growth and acceleration of startups. This agreement aims to create a framework for collaboration that can benefit both regions.
In June 2024, a delegation from the Korean National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) visited the Casa della Salute in Bologna's Navile district. This visit was aimed at understanding the Emilia-Romagna healthcare model, which has received acclaim for its efficiency and effectiveness. The exchange of ideas and practices between the two regions is expected to enhance healthcare services in both territories.
Moreover, in September 2024, a delegation of 22 representatives from the province of Chungcheong Meridionale visited Emilia-Romagna to explore local agri-food and fishing industries. This visit underscored the strong interest South Korea has in Emilia-Romagna's agricultural practices and food production capabilities.
South Korea's engagement with Emilia-Romagna extends to cultural exchanges as well. The country has been a consistent participant in the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, an event that showcases literature and educational resources for children. Additionally, South Korea has participated in prominent regional events such as Cosmoprof, a leading beauty trade fair, and Cibus, an international food exhibition.
Both de Pascale and Choi are optimistic about the future of their collaboration, which they believe will not only enhance economic ties but also promote cultural understanding and exchange. As they look ahead, both leaders are committed to exploring new opportunities that will benefit their respective regions.
This meeting highlights the ongoing efforts to strengthen international relations and showcases how regional partnerships can lead to significant advancements in various sectors, including technology, healthcare, and cultural exchange.
As the world continues to globalize, such collaborations become increasingly vital. They not only foster economic growth but also deepen the connections between diverse cultures, ultimately enriching the lives of the people in both Emilia-Romagna and South Korea.
