Z’bar, Jeju Island explore cooperation in key sectors

KOREA: ZANZIBAR and South Korea’s Jeju Island are exploring opportunities to strengthen cooperation in sustainable tourism, the blue economy, renewable energy, trade, investment and education to promote shared development and benefit from each other’s experience.

Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Mwinyi proposed this during a meeting with Jeju Governor Wi Seong-gon in Jeju, Republic of Korea, yesterday.

Dr Mwinyi proposed establishing a sister-island partnership between Zanzibar and Jeju to provide a framework for long-term cooperation, identify priority areas, and establish mechanisms to implement agreed initiatives.

He said Zanzibar could benefit from Jeju’s experience in tourism management, ecotourism, hospitality training and cultural heritage preservation.

The two islands could also strengthen cooperation in the blue economy, particularly sustainable fishing, aquaculture, marine resource conservation and value addition to marine products.

Dr Mwinyi further underscored the importance of collaboration in renewable energy and environmental protection, including clean energy development, waste management and climate change mitigation.

He noted that Jeju made significant progress in harnessing renewable energy, particularly solar and wind power, which together contribute approximately 30 per cent of the island’s electricity supply.

The President said Jeju’s experience could offer valuable lessons for Zanzibar as it pursues sustainable energy solutions and seeks to strengthen environmental protection.

On trade and investment, Dr Mwinyi invited Jeju-based investors and businesspeople to explore opportunities in Zanzibar, particularly in tourism infrastructure, fisheries, aquaculture, seaweed processing and renewable energy.

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He also highlighted the potential for technology transfer and skills development to support Zanzibar’s economic transformation and expand opportunities for local communities.

The proposed partnership is expected to provide a platform for the two islands to exchange expertise, promote investment and develop practical initiatives in areas of mutual interest.

Governor Wi Seong-gon expressed readiness to advance cooperation with Zanzibar, agreeing that technical-level discussions should begin and mechanisms be established to follow up on the next steps.

The proposed partnership reflects Zanzibar’s continued efforts to strengthen international cooperation and attract investment by building relationships with island economies experienced in tourism development, marine resource management and sustainable energy.

Through closer collaboration, Zanzibar and Jeju could develop practical solutions to shared islanddevelopment challenges while creating opportunities for economic growth, environmental sustainability and people-to-people exchanges.