Closing Remarks of the 2nd Korean New Deal Strategy Meeting... "Central and Local Governments Must Quickly Establish a Collaborative System"
[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] President Moon Jae-in said in his closing remarks at the '2nd Korean New Deal Strategy Meeting' held at the Blue House on the 13th, "Each local government head gave a concise explanation of their project plans filled with will and passion in line with the direction of the regional balanced New Deal."
In particular, President Moon emphasized, "If these projects are properly implemented, I believe not only the respective local governments but the entire Republic of Korea will change. I will take these remarks as valuable references in promoting national policies."
The event was held with the participation of governors from 17 cities and provinces nationwide, where potential presidential candidates from both ruling and opposition parties such as Lee Jae-myung, Governor of Gyeonggi Province; Kim Kyung-soo, Governor of Gyeongsangnam Province; and Won Hee-ryong, Governor of Jeju Province, each presented New Deal projects reflecting the characteristics of their regions. President Moon did not hold back his high praise regarding their presentations.
President Moon said, "The most important aspects of the regional balanced New Deal are, first, 'local leadership,' and second, 'linkage with existing balanced development strategies.' Local leadership or linkage itself is not the goal, but rather to achieve project outcomes and to promote projects more swiftly."
President Moon added, "To do so, a collaborative system between the central and local governments must be established quickly. Besides the general collaboration system between the central and local governments, in the case of the super-regional balanced New Deal, there could be consultative bodies involving multiple local governments and the central government."
President Moon stated, "For particularly important or large-scale projects that need to be closely linked with central government policies and thus promoted more rapidly, Governor Kim Young-rok mentioned the Offshore Wind Power Development Support Headquarters. It is necessary to establish a collaborative system for such projects. If needed, I hope a path will be opened for the party to participate as well."
President Moon said, "This matter should never be viewed through a partisan lens. Both the ruling and opposition parties (referring to opposition local government heads attending today's meeting) share the same view." He added, "I hope opposition party local government heads will at least cooperate on this matter. I ask that the consultative body focus on and prioritize discussions on the points raised today."
Kwon Young-jin, Mayor of Daegu Metropolitan City, said, "I thank the President for arranging this valuable occasion," and added, "When Daegu faced the COVID-19 crisis in February and March, you personally came to comfort us and provided full support. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude again."
Kang Min-seok, Blue House spokesperson, explained, "President Moon's closing remarks came after the local government heads finished explaining their projects."
Meanwhile, Kim Tae-nyeon, Floor Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, said, "The regional balanced New Deal is precisely the role that allows people to feel how the Korean New Deal changes their lives and develops their regions," and added, "The party will actively support this by reviewing regional system improvement projects and identifying regulations to abolish from the regular National Assembly session, backing them with legislation and budget swiftly."
President Moon promised, "It was truly a good occasion. Due to time constraints, it was somewhat regrettable. Next time, let's create an opportunity to check how the matters discussed today are being promoted and to accelerate progress. We will continue to arrange such occasions."
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