Lee Min-keun, the mayor of Ansan, stated on August 5 that "regional cooperation is the way to revive the local economy," as he initiated efforts to expand sustainable collaboration models.
On that day, Mayor Lee held a special sales event for Cheongdo peaches and a mutual donation ceremony for the hometown love donation program in collaboration with Cheongdo County at the city hall.
By strengthening regional cooperation through direct sales of agricultural products and mutual donations with the sister city of Cheongdo, Gyeongsangbuk-do, the city is accelerating efforts to invigorate the local economy.
This event is being recognized as a practical cooperation project focused on revitalizing the local economy, resulting in increased farm incomes and expanded cooperative efforts beyond mere sister city exchanges.
A special direct sales event for Cheongdo's representative agricultural product, the 'Cheongdo Gyeongbong Peach,' took place at the 'Shade Dream' area on the west side of Ansan City Hall.
Prior to the event, pre-orders reached 2,300 boxes, amounting to approximately 28.3 million won, reflecting significant interest and enhancing the meaning of regional cooperation.
Notably, city officials, related organizations, and the Yeongnam Alumni Association voluntarily participated in the purchases, contributing to the struggling rural economy and setting a model for urban-rural cooperation.
The event was attended by Park Kwon-hyun, the mayor of Cheongdo, and a delegation of 17 from Cheongdo County, who met with Mayor Lee to discuss ways to expand cooperation between the two cities and participated in mutual donations for the hometown love donation program, further solidifying their friendly relations.
Since their friendship agreement in 2020, the two institutions have consistently engaged in various cooperative projects, including direct sales of agricultural products, cultural and administrative exchanges, and mutual donations through the hometown love donation program, establishing a practical model for cooperation.
The local community views this event not merely as a sister city event but as a substantial policy for revitalizing both the local economy and rural areas.
There is a positive assessment that the cooperative approach linking the hometown love donation program with direct sales of agricultural products is beneficial for revitalizing the local economy, along with expectations for expanding economic cooperation that citizens can genuinely feel, rather than mere symbolic exchanges.
Mayor Lee Min-keun expressed, "I am very pleased that the excellent agricultural products from Cheongdo County have achieved good results with the interest of Ansan citizens and officials."
He added, "We will continue to expand economic, cultural, and administrative exchanges with our sister cities and pursue practical cooperation projects that benefit our citizens, creating a cooperative city of Ansan where regions grow together."
Park Kwon-hyun, the mayor of Cheongdo, also expressed gratitude for the warm interest and participation of Ansan citizens and officials, stating, "I hope this event will lead to further expansion of cooperation between the two cities."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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