Gifu University and Mizuho City (Gifu Prefecture) signed a comprehensive Cooperation Agreement between Gifu University and Mizuho City on December 24, 2019. The agreement has six clauses for building and enlivening communities, human resource development, industry promotion and informatization of communities, etc.

Even before the signing of this agreement, Gifu University and Mizuho City have been collaborating with one another in such fields as public transportation, human resource development and planning for disaster prevention. With the latest signing, the university and the city continue to meet the following goals:

・Build a comprehensive, close partnership in diverse fields

・Deepen the partnership in a sustainable and expansive way

・By doing the two above, contribute to an establishment and growth of a lively community and development of human resources for the future.

With December 24 signing with Mizuho City, Gifu University now has cooperation agreements with 26 municipal governments.

In a signing ceremony, President of Gifu University, Hisataka Moriwaki said, "Mizuho City is one of the most successful cases of urbanization and community-building with a growing population. Well-balanced primary, secondary and tertiary business sectors are boosting the city's economy. Furthermore, the presence of Asahi University makes the city education-driven municipality as well. I look forward to a close collaboration with Mizuho City under the new agreement for mutually beneficial future. "

In response, Mayor of Mizuho City, Kazuyuki Mori made the following remarks: "Population of Mizuho City exceeded 55,000 on November 6, 2019. Approximately 7,500 people increased from 47,500 from May 2003 when the two cities (Hozumi and Sunami cities) merged for the birth of Mizuho City. However, joint community-building by younger generations and residents who have already taken root in the city is still a major challenge for us. It is expected that after a steady population growth of the city for the next ten years, it may start to decrease. We would like to improve our city's infrastructure, deepen ties among citizens while the population is still growing. The latest signing of the agreement with Gifu University will in no doubt propel us to build a better community and further develop human resources."

Gifu University and Mizuho City will continue to discuss sending volunteer students for disaster prevention and emergency management activities as well as for assistance and support for the residents.