Governor Park Wansu: "We Will Revive Gyeongnam's Economy and Realize a Provincial Government That Works for the Residents"

The Journey That Began at the Milyang Wildfire Site, Now Reaches 100 Days

Park Wansu, Governor of Gyeongnam Province.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Seryeong] Park Wansu, Governor of Gyeongnam Province, who will mark his 100th day in office on the 8th, revealed the achievements so far and the future direction of provincial administration on the 6th.

Governor Park named the transition committee immediately after his election as the "Sure Start Transition Team" and began activities.

He said, "Because there was a long gap in provincial administration, I thought that quickly stabilizing the administration was the way to ease the concerns of the residents," adding, "I started my steps at the Miryang wildfire site on June 2 and am running to revive Gyeongnam's economy and restore the pride of the residents."

Governor Park diagnosed, "Unlike the time when Gyeongnam once led South Korea's economic growth, recently it has faced a comprehensive crisis including the crisis of key industries such as machinery and shipbuilding, economic growth slowdown due to global economic uncertainties, population decline, and regional imbalance."

Accordingly, he set the vision for the 8th elected administration as "Vibrant Gyeongnam, Happy Residents" and selected four major policy goals: ▲Strong Economy, Abundant Jobs ▲Convenient Spaces, Flourishing Culture ▲Safe Living, Reliable Welfare ▲Pleasant Environment, Prosperous Agricultural and Fishing Villages.

Governor Park emphasized, "Economy and welfare are the two pillars of provincial administration," and said, "We will revive the economy through investment attraction and startup activation to restore Gyeongnam's vitality and overcome social polarization through welfare enhancement to make residents happy."

At the time of his inauguration, he proposed four major innovations: organizational structure innovation, organizational culture innovation, financial innovation, and regulatory innovation.

"The four major innovations of provincial administration are the core tasks of the 8th elected administration," he explained, "It means prioritizing residents as the highest value and transforming into a performance-oriented working administration."

According to the province, Governor Park has undertaken organizational structure innovation such as reorganizing to promote core provincial projects linked to national tasks, abolishing the system of assigned officers, and reducing unnecessary work.

To resolve the provincial debt increased to 1.1 trillion won, he mandated a 10% reduction in provincial projects, negotiated adjustments to school meal cost sharing rates, established a welfare evaluation department to prevent welfare budget fraud, and addressed unreasonable corporate regulations.

Park Wan-su, Governor of Gyeongnam Province, visiting a company site (center).

Governor Park said he is working on economic revitalization and welfare enhancement, the top priorities of the 8th elected administration.

Gyeongnam Province cited as major achievements during Park Wansu's 100 days: ▲Launch of Investment Attraction Advisory Committee ▲Formation of Working Group for the Establishment of the Space Aviation Agency ▲Formation of Nuclear Power Plant Company Support Council and Opening of Rapid Support Center ▲Declaration of Vision for Changwon National Industrial Complex Specialized Materials and Components Cluster ▲Designation of Ammonia Fuel Propulsion System Ship Regulatory Special Zone ▲Establishment of Bio Startup Support Cooperation Model.

Efforts such as expanding special funds for the shipbuilding industry’s interest subsidies, supporting reemployment and startups for middle-aged people, and selecting excellent employment companies, youth-friendly companies, and regional star companies are also ongoing.

He also mentioned expanding industrial infrastructure and transportation networks, discovering cultural tourism resources by region, strengthening support for vulnerable groups, launching the Youth Fishermen’s Association, reviving the governor’s city and county tours, and restoring the governor’s official residence.

Regarding the future direction of provincial administration, Governor Park pointed out, "If concentration in the metropolitan area continues as it is, the future of South Korea cannot be guaranteed."

He declared, "We should not only worry about national imbalance but also implement local decentralization like a revolution," adding, "Our province will continue efforts along with other cities and provinces to fully transfer government finances and authority to local governments."

He added, "To respond to the metropolitan area and overcome the crisis of regional extinction, we plan to build consensus with local residents and continue consultations with the government and adjacent metropolitan cities for the promotion of administrative integration of Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam."

Governor Park said, "The past 100 days have been a time to lay the foundation for a vibrant Gyeongnam and happy residents," and pledged, "We will strive for economic revitalization and welfare enhancement, the top priorities of the 8th elected administration, and continuously innovate in organization, finance, and regulation to realize provincial administration for the residents."