Meeting with Eavesdropping Press Corps to Discuss Future Plans and Reflections So Far
Gyeongnam Province Governor Park Wansu is answering questions at a press conference with reporters at the provincial office. / Photo by Se-ryeong Lee ryeong@
[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Seryeong] Park Wan-su, Governor of Gyeongnam Province, held a meeting with reporters visiting the provincial government office on the 30th.
Governor Park expressed, "During the past five months of leading the provincial administration, there were times when it felt frustrating and dark, but many people worked together and lent their strength."
On this day, Governor Park showed affection for the Sacheon Aerospace Agency to be established next year.
He said, "The establishment of the Aerospace Agency, which was the most important issue for our province, has been confirmed. We will prepare related legislation this year, have the special law passed by the National Assembly in the first half of next year, and complete the establishment within 2023."
"Because the aerospace industry requires cutting-edge technology, it cannot be done by Gyeongnam alone," he said. "If the Daejeon Aerospace Research Institute, Jeonnam Naro Space Center, and Sacheon Aerospace Agency each take charge of their parts, receive focused support, and technical personnel cooperate, as President Yoon said, we could launch a satellite to Mars by the 100th anniversary of the founding of the nation."
Referring to the recent activation of the defense industry in the province and the increase in orders, Governor Park emphasized, "The dignity of the defense industry, especially the localization of core parts, is a very serious task."
"On the 24th, I requested the president to establish a Defense Parts Research Institute in Gyeongnam, where defense companies are concentrated, and the president also stated at the Defense Industry Export Strategy Meeting that the defense industry will be focused on and fostered centered on Gyeongnam," he conveyed.
"The companies and officials who participated that day also agreed, and the establishment of the Defense Parts Research Institute is something our province will pursue," he added. "The activation of the defense industry will be a great force in revitalizing Gyeongnam's economy."
Regarding the issuance of local currency such as the Gyeongnam Love Gift Certificate, he said, "The issuance scale will remain the same, but the discount rate will be adjusted in consultation with cities and counties."
On administrative integration with Busan, he explained that a task force will be formed to establish a concrete promotion plan.
"The most important thing in promoting administrative integration is gathering public opinion from residents," he said. "If an agreement is reached with Busan City, a large-scale public opinion survey will be conducted targeting residents of both areas."
Regarding the backlash against the youth center, which was recently decided to be abolished due to habitual, repetitive, and inefficient operations, he firmly stated, "The youth policy of Gyeongnam Province is not shaken just because one center is closed."
Governor Park said, "Any center is operated with taxes paid by residents, and leaving inefficient operations unattended means the governor is not meeting the expectations of the residents." He added, "It is not necessary for the province to operate the center directly to support youth."
He continued, "Youth policy is one of the province's important policies, and the related budget has been increased by 20 billion won next year compared to this year." He said, "We will distinguish the roles of basic local governments and metropolitan governments to avoid overlap and support the activation of city and county centers."
Governor Park also expressed his determination to fully lift the development restriction zone (Greenbelt) in Changwon on this day.
He stated that officials from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport will visit Changwon on December 1 to conduct an on-site inspection, and he will request the lifting of the Greenbelt for industrial sites.
Regarding the plan to create a tourist marine complex in Gusan-myeon and the issue of Jinhae New Port, he said he will cooperate with Changwon City to reach answers soon.
As measures to resolve difficulties in the local economy, including the bankruptcy of local construction companies, he proposed ▲ increasing the support fund for small and medium enterprises by more than 100 billion won next year ▲ increasing support for small and medium enterprises and small business owners including construction ▲ requesting the government to extend the designation of industrial crisis and employment crisis areas ▲ discussing support measures for the local economy with financial institutions.
Having operated an open governor's office in August to listen to residents' voices, he stated that he checks all complaints received through the website, SNS, and the governor's office.
"When the department that receives and processes complaints submits reports, I always read them all," he said. "There are parts that are not practically feasible, but I am also challenged by the suggestions sent."
"I sometimes directly discuss policy ideas or advice at executive meetings," he said. "I will continue to actively operate the open governor's office and focus on the voices of residents."
Governor Park said, "I have many concerns about the tasks to be solved and the direction of the provincial administration." He added, "If journalists listen to and convey diverse opinions of residents, I will reflect them well in the administration and work harder."
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