- Discussed global exchange and cooperation between Incheon and London -

- Delivered a lecture at the Korea Economic Institute Forum and met with leaders from financial institutions and organizations during his Korea visit (March 24–27) -

Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that London Chamber of Commerce President and Z/Yen Group Founder Michael Mainelli visited Incheon and met with Mayor Yoo on Mar. 26.

The visit was made at the request of President Mainelli, who has a keen interest in Incheon as a global city. He founded Z/Yen Group in 1994 and served as the 695th Lord Mayor of London, the financial heart of the U.K. 

Z/Yen Group annually evaluates the competitiveness of major cities around the world in finance and smart technologies, publishing the Global Financial Centres Index, Global Green Finance Index, and Smart Centres Index, serving as a catalyst for global development in these sectors. 

Mayor Yoo stated, “Incheon has actively engaged with the world through two major openings—Port of Incheon and Incheon International Airport. In the Incheon Free Economic Zone, leading global companies are conducting business, and 15 international organizations, including the Green Climate Fund (GCF), are operating actively. These factors firmly establish Incheon as a truly global city.” He went on to outline his vision for the future, saying, “Beyond being Korea’s second-largest economic city, Incheon is preparing to emerge as one of the world’s top 10 global cities through a ‘third opening’ that opens the hearts of people around the world.” 

He also added, “As Incheon strives to become one of the world’s top 10 global cities, President Mainelli’s extensive experience and exceptional insight will be of great help,” and he requested President Mainelli’s continued interest and valuable advice.

President Mainelli responded, “I deeply resonate with Incheon’s vision for becoming one of the world’s top 10 cities,” and expressed hope that London and Incheon would grow further through mutual exchange and cooperation.

During his Korea visit (March 24–27), President Mainelli met with the Governor of the Bank of Korea and other leaders in the financial sector, and on March 27, he gave a keynote speech at a breakfast forum hosted by the Korea Economic Institute (Chairman Kwang-Woo Jun), titled: “Strategies for Enhancing Korea’s Global Reputation and National Competitiveness: The Role of Finance,” before returning to the U.K.