The City of Greater Geelong has formalised ties with South Korea’s Changwon City, following the announcement Hanwha Defense Australia would construct a facility to build military vehicles within the municipality.
Greater Geelong deputy mayor Trent Sullivan and Changwon City mayor Huh Sungmoo signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) connecting the cities at a ceremony at City Hall on Thursday.
The memorandum formalises an agreement to collaborate with Changwon City on trade, education and cultural exchanges, to promote investment and employment opportunities for the two cities.
Located on South Korea’s southeast coast, Changwon City is a known industrial and manufacturing hub that is home to global manufacturers including Hanwha Corporation and its subsidiary Hanwha Defense Australia.
Hanwha Defense Australia earlier this year announced it would build a facility near Avalon Airport to provide the Commonwealth government with military vehicles under a $1 billion deal.
City of Greater Geelong chief executive Martin Cutter joined Cr Sullivan in welcoming a delegation from Changwon City to Geelong for the signing and exchange of gifts.
Hanwha Defense Corporation chief executive Jaeil Sohn, Hanwha Defense Australia managing director Richard Cho and Deakin University sectorial partnerships, government and industry research director Genevieve Reid also attended the ceremony.
The Greater Geelong Council agreed to proceed with a MOU in December last year after a request from Changwon City.
Cr Sullivan said the memorandum would provide benefits to the region.
“The City of Greater Geelong greatly respects Changwon City and is honoured to enter into this agreement,” he said.
“The Geelong region is very hopeful that this memorandum of understanding will bring great benefit for both regions and we believe there will be much to learn from each other.
“We see this is an opportunity to build a great relationship with a city that holds many similarities to ours, and that has equally high aspirations of competing on the global stage.
“This MOU aligns with the Geelong community’s 30-year vision to be internationally recognised as a ‘clever and creative’ city with a prosperous economy, that supports jobs and education opportunities.”
The memorandum will be reviewed each year to assess the benefits for both cities.
The commonwealth has also shortlisted Hanwha Defense Australia as one of two companies for a $27 billion, 10-year contract to supply tanks to the Australian Defence Force.
An announcement on the tender is expected this year and Hanwha has announced its preferred location was Geelong, which would create up to 350 jobs if it was successful.
