Candidate Jo Seung-hwan: "Establishing State-of-the-Art Automated Ports... Strengthening Northeast Asia Logistics Hub Status"

Cho Seung-hwan, nominee for Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, is answering reporters' questions at the 2nd Cabinet announcement held on the 13th at the transition committee briefing room in Tongui-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Transition Committee Press Corps

[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Dongwoo Lee] Cho Seung-hwan, nominee for Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, emphasized on the 4th, "We will swiftly establish state-of-the-art automated ports and timely expand port logistics infrastructure, including smart logistics centers, to firmly establish our position as the logistics hub of Northeast Asia."

In his opening remarks at the confirmation hearing for the Minister of Oceans and Fisheries held by the National Assembly's Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs, Oceans and Fisheries Committee, Cho said, "I will do my best to leap forward as a world-class maritime nation," adding, "We will foster a shipping industry with global competitiveness and rapidly develop advanced port infrastructure."

He explained, "Since the bankruptcy of Hanjin Shipping, our shipping industry has been rebuilt under public leadership, and we will solidify the support base so that it can continue to grow centered on the private sector," further stating, "In particular, by revitalizing private investment in ships, we will expand the national fleet and establish a win-win development structure among shipping, shipbuilding, and export companies."

Cho also asserted, "Beyond simple infrastructure support for fishing villages, we will prepare a comprehensive support system that can improve housing, income, and living standards together to create young fishing villages that attract youth back." He expressed his ambition, saying, "Aquaculture, processing, and distribution facilities will be scaled up and smartified to enhance the competitiveness of the seafood industry."

He plans to also focus on creating marine spaces that coexist with nature. He stated, "To resolve conflicts surrounding the use and development of marine areas, we will significantly reform the marine spatial management system and seek ways for stakeholders to share benefits together," adding, "We will also strengthen the preventive system to protect the lives and property of the people from coastal disasters, which are becoming increasingly severe in frequency and intensity."

Furthermore, to actively promote carbon neutrality in the marine and fisheries sector and achieve zero marine plastic waste, major carbon emission sources such as ships, port facilities, and processing plants will be converted to environmentally friendly alternatives. There is also a plan to greatly expand marine carbon sinks by restoring tidal flat vegetation and expanding sea forest creation.

Cho said, "Over the past two years, our people have struggled due to COVID-19, and we will promote marinas and marine healing industries so that they can find comfort and rest through the sea and revitalize the local economy. We will also gradually expand the National Marine Garden," adding, "We will not neglect discovering and fostering new marine and fisheries industries such as digital maritime traffic information systems, marine energy, and marine bio, which are emerging as next-generation growth engines."