By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

The Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province signed a business agreement with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to cooperate in the field of alternative proteins at the provincial capital on April 15.

The agreement was signed between Kim Kwan-young, governor of Jeonbuk, and Ambassador of the Netherlands to Korea Peter van der Vliet who made his first visit to Jeonbuk since his appointment.

The main contents of the agreement include ▲ joint analysis of the status of the alternative protein industry ▲ expanded exchange of delegations between the two countries ▲ establishment of partnerships between companies and research institutions ▲ and joint participation in Horizon Europe, the world's largest multilateral research and innovation program.

Alternative proteins are proteins derived from soy, wheat, yeast, etc. and are considered an alternative to solve environmental problems caused by conventional meat production.

The agreement is expected to expand technical exchanges and joint research between the two countries in the field of alternative proteins.

“The Netherlands is a leading country in the food tech and bio industry and is a reliable partner as it ranked first in investment in Korea among EU member states last year,” said Kim Kwan-young, governor of Jeonbuk, adding, ”We will expand cooperation between the two countries to help Jeonbuk become a food tech center in Asia.”