Gwangyang Economic Free Zone Authority Holds Meeting with Elected National Assembly Member Seo Dong-yong

Discussion on Major Business Promotion Status and Local Issues

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Hyung-kwon] The Gwangyang Bay Area Free Economic Zone Authority held a meeting on the 26th at the office of elected National Assembly member Seo Dong-yong (Democratic Party, Suncheon-Gwangyang-Gokseong-Gurye District E).

The meeting was attended by about 10 people including elected National Assembly member Seo Dong-yong, Kim Gil-yong, chairman of the association council (provincial assembly member), Im Jong-gi (provincial assembly member), and Kim Gap-seop, head of the Economic Zone Authority. After listening to the key tasks of the Economic Zone Authority, they had an in-depth discussion on priority policies and various measures to resolve civil complaints.

In the business report, the Economic Zone Authority explained key policies currently being promoted such as “activation of investment attraction through customized industrial complex supply,” “Seonwol Hi-Park development,” “plan to attract foreign educational institutions to the Shindae district,” as well as “additional designation of hinterland areas for Gwangyang Port” and “plans to attract the secondary battery industry.”

In particular, at this meeting, they sought ways to resolve civil complaints with an innovative mindset that breaks away from past administrative practices, including measures by the Economic Zone Authority regarding environmental complaints from local residents due to the attraction of an aluminum factory in the Sepung Industrial Complex and collective complaints from residents of the Haeryong Industrial Complex relocation area due to delayed payment of acquisition tax.

Elected member Seo Dong-yong said, “Through close cooperation with the basic local government heads of the Gwangyang Bay area, various projects should be promoted to create synergy effects. To transform Gwangyang Port into a competitive port, it is necessary to diversify industries from mainly container cargo to bulk cargo and others. I will faithfully perform any role I can for the future development of the Economic Zone Authority.”

Kim Gil-yong, chairman of the Gwangyang Bay Area Free Economic Zone Association, suggested, “Please accelerate efforts to secure national funding and policy support through active communication and cooperation between the Economic Zone Authority and elected National Assembly members of the Gwangyang Bay area, and thoroughly review ways to achieve win-win development with local residents when attracting companies.”

Provincial assembly member Im Jong-gi (Suncheon) emphasized, “Regarding company attraction, the name of the land does not affect the rights of residents. Delicate consideration is needed so that local residents are not alienated when companies move in and factories begin construction.”

Head Kim Gap-seop said, “Today’s meeting is very meaningful for the development of the Gwangyang Bay area. We will also hold meetings with elected officials of Yeosu and Suncheon cities in succession and actively reflect their valuable opinions in our work.”