"No Party Lines in Industry" Ruling and Opposition Lawmakers Gather to Discuss 'Automotive Industry Development'

Joo Ho-young "Lift Regulations on the Automobile Industry" No Woong-rae "Let the National Assembly Provide Infrastructure"

On the afternoon of the 13th, 19 lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties attended the 'Mobility Forum 2nd Seminar' held at the Irum Center in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul.

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] Lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties gathered to promote the development of the future automobile industry.

At the 'Mobility Forum 2nd Seminar' held on the afternoon of the 13th at the Irum Center in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, Kwon Seong-dong, co-chairman and member of the People Power Party, stated, "The mobility industry is the most important in the Fourth Industrial Revolution society," adding, "We created this forum to discuss what problems exist in the development process of this industry and how to resolve legal issues to win in global competition."

Launched after the opening of the 21st National Assembly last year, the 'Mobility Forum' consists of a total of 56 lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties, including co-chairs Kwon and Lee Won-wook of the Democratic Party of Korea. Attendees included Joo Ho-young, acting leader of the People Power Party, Noh Woong-rae of the Democratic Party, and stakeholders from the automobile industry. Kwon said, "Over the past year, the ruling and opposition parties have failed to cooperate and practice win-win politics in the National Assembly, reaching extreme situations of confrontation and division," adding, "Our forum will strive to set an example of cooperation during the remaining period."

In his opening remarks, Lee also emphasized, "There is no ruling or opposition in the realm of industry." He continued, "When Japan's semiconductor export restrictions occurred two years ago, we discussed whether there were any countermeasures in the automobile sector and talked with the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy about the need to pay attention to the automobile industry," adding, "Through such gatherings, I hope we can implement broad changes and make the mobility industry the center of Korea's industry."

Acting party leader Joo said in his congratulatory speech, "In a contactless society due to mobility connectivity and the COVID-19 pandemic, IT, big data, and convergence technologies are extremely important." He advised, "The old-fashioned regulations hinder the transition from internal combustion engines to electric and hydrogen vehicles," adding, "It would be good if the government or public sector could lead, but if not, at least regulations that block active activities should be lifted."

Lawmaker Noh also said, "Changes in the automobile industry will come in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Electric and hydrogen vehicles will become the most important," adding, "If the National Assembly's role is needed, we will provide the appropriate infrastructure and support the system."

Following this, Professor Choi Woong-cheol of Kookmin University and Yoo Si-bok, director of the Korea Automobile Research Institute Center, gave keynote presentations, marking the start of the seminar. Additionally, under the chairmanship of Democratic Party lawmaker Hong Seong-guk, discussions and Q&A sessions were held regarding the industrial impact of the mobility paradigm shift and measures to revitalize the autonomous vehicle industry.