Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs and Oceans and Fisheries Committee Work Report
Strengthening Inspection of Fukushima Radioactive Contaminated Water Discharge
Minister Cho Seung-hwan of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (right) is attending the full meeting of the Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs, Oceans and Fisheries Committee held at the National Assembly on the 17th, talking with Vice Minister Song Sang-geun during the meeting. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@
[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Dongwoo Lee] Cho Seung-hwan, Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, stated on the 1st, "We will expand the national fleet through the new construction of ultra-large container ships and the revitalization of private ship investment."
Minister Cho said during the morning briefing of the Agriculture, Forestry, Livestock, Food, and Maritime Affairs Committee held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, "We will establish a win-win development structure for shipping, shipbuilding, and export companies," adding, "We will leap forward as a leading global maritime logistics powerhouse."
To this end, Minister Cho emphasized, "In particular, we will proactively expand future port infrastructure by establishing smart joint logistics centers and swiftly building Korean-style smart ports to solidify our position as the logistics hub of Northeast Asia." Various support measures, such as temporary ship deployment and exclusive shipping provision for small and medium enterprises, will be actively promoted until the export-import logistics situation improves.
Regarding Japan's decision to discharge radioactive contaminated water from Fukushima, he stressed, "We will expand radiation surveys in our waters and strengthen radiation safety inspections on seafood," and added, "We will establish an advanced comprehensive marine science base in the East Sea and newly deploy large fishery patrol vessels to respond to China's illegal fishing."
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries plans to deploy port safety inspectors at all national trade ports and strengthen safety at port business sites in connection with the 'Special Port Safety Act,' which will be enforced starting in August.
To revitalize the fisheries industry and fishing villages, he said, "Aquaculture, distribution, and processing facilities will be scaled up and smartized to further enhance the competitiveness of the fisheries industry and supply excellent seafood products that meet the sophisticated demands and expectations of the public." Furthermore, he explained, "More than 50% of the ongoing Fishing Village New Deal 300 projects will be completed by the end of the year, and follow-up strategies will be prepared to dramatically improve the living conditions, income, and welfare levels of fishing villages."
Minister Cho stated, "The current conditions and situations facing the maritime and fisheries sectors, such as uncertainties in the shipping logistics industry and the weakening growth foundation of fisheries due to the decline and aging of fishing village populations, are by no means easy," adding, "Amid these crises, we will do our utmost to resolve the pressing issues and realize a 'leaping marine economy and a vibrant sea community.'"
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