AGENDA #13a(1)
MEMORANDUM
TO: Town Council
FROM: Mayor Kevin C. Foy
SUBJECT: Potential Friendship Relationship Between Chapel Hill and Guro District, Seoul, Republic of Korea
DATE: September 11, 2006
BACKGROUND
My office was contacted in late July by Dr. Daniel Lee, the general manager of a venture capital firm that targets business and investment opportunities in Asia and the U.S. Dr. Lee discussed the possibility of forming a relationship between Chapel Hill and Guro District (one of the 20-plus districts of Seoul, South Korea).
Guro District Vice Mayor Chan-Gon Kim visited Chapel Hill in late August, and I met with him at that time. He presented a draft agreement establishing a friendship relationship between the two municipalities. I told him that I would present it to the Town Council; the Mayor of Guro District is planning on visiting in early October, so a timely answer is of some importance.
Dr. Lee and Vice Mayor Kim have already made significant contacts in Chapel Hill, as well as in the larger community. Vice Mayor Kim met extensively with Chamber of Commerce Director Aaron Nelson and with state officials, including Secretary of State Elaine Marshall. Dr. Lee and Vice Mayor Kim have also had numerous conversations with administration at the UNC School of Pharmacy.
The draft friendship agreement (which is attached) seems to bind the Town in very limited ways. Vice Mayor Kim also brought up some possible exchange programs. That list is attached as well.
I believe that the agreement may be worth pursuing, but suggest that the Council seek advice from our Manager before making a decision.
RECOMMENDATION
I would like the Council to refer this petition to the Manager and his staff to review and provide us with a recommendation for future action at the September 27 business meeting.
ATTACHMENTS