[New Year's Address] Hong Nampyo, Changwon Special Mayor: "2023 is the Year to Establish the Foundation for Future Innovative Growth"

Hong Nampyo, Mayor of Changwon Special City, Gyeongnam. [Image source=Changwon City Hall]

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Seryeong] Hong Nampyo, Mayor of Changwon Special City in Gyeongnam, said in his New Year's address on the first day of the new year, "I will make 2023, the practical first year of the 8th term of direct election, a year to complete the foundation for future innovative growth."

Mayor Hong expressed his determination to face head-on the 14 pending projects considered long-term unresolved issues, including Masan Marine New City and Changwon Cultural Complex Town.

▲ Establishment and expansion of talent development programs linked with local universities and companies experiencing a shortage of professional manpower ▲ Establishment of advanced talent development institutions focused on research and development linked with new concept specialized industrial complexes ▲ Thorough preparation for establishing an integrated international school for elementary, middle, and high school within the Jinhae Free Economic Zone site were also proposed.

Regarding the public area of Masan Marine New City, he said, "We will transform it into a digital space where advanced industries centered on ICT and metaverse companies and cultural content harmonize, turning it into a base for creating new growth engines," and added, "We plan to form a constructive partnership with the government to promote Jinhae New Port without delay and closely cooperate with the political circles to speed up the designation of the expanded port hinterland complex."

Mayor Hong stated, "Starting this year, we will establish the 2040 Changwon Environmental Plan to promote coexistence of environment, economy, and welfare," and mentioned linking and reorganizing various events such as attracting a medical specialized college, the Gunhangje Festival, and the Chrysanthemum Festival into large-scale festivals.

Along with strengthening citizens' cultural enjoyment rights and Changwon-style inclusive welfare, he also pledged, "We will make thorough efforts to support social activity services for women and childcare, the elderly, and the disabled."

Mayor Hong vowed, "The challenge toward change and innovation begins in 2023," and said, "No matter the difficulties and numerous obstacles, we will not neglect our steps toward becoming the central city of Northeast Asia."