Jeonnam Governor Kim Young-rok: "Please Carefully Review to Utilize New Government Policies"

[Muan=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Kim Young-rok, Governor of Jeonnam Province, ordered a thorough review to ensure effective utilization of new policies from various government ministries, including the delegation of authority for fostering local universities, relocation of public institutions from the Seoul metropolitan area, and the creation of a South Coast marine leisure tourism belt.

According to Jeonnam Province on the 10th, Governor Kim said at the policy meeting with department heads held in the Seo Jae-pil Room of the provincial office that morning, “Looking at the central ministries’ work reports, they are presenting several newly specified policies, which is highly commendable.”

He continued, “The government has announced plans to significantly ease university regulations and delegate the authority to foster local universities to local governments. This is an unprecedented, groundbreaking decentralization task. Although it may pose a burden due to the difficult local financial situation, I hope you listen to the opinions of education offices and universities from now on, thoroughly analyze them, and carefully manage what the province should do and what to propose to the government.”

He added, “Not only the delegation of authority for fostering local universities but also special local administrative agencies performing similar or overlapping functions with local governments, such as the Local Small and Medium Venture Business Administration, should be relocated to local areas. Submit comprehensive opinions and continuously propose them through organizations like the Korea Association of Governors until they are realized.”

Furthermore, he instructed, “The new government is moving faster than expected on relocating public institutions from the Seoul metropolitan area. Prepare thoroughly for this, and especially include institutions like the NongHyup Central Association, which are not public institutions but can be considered as such emotionally, in the relocation targets. Operate a dedicated team to attract them to Jeonnam and respond swiftly.”

He also emphasized, “The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries has announced plans to create a South Coast marine leisure tourism belt, supporting the ultra-wide cooperation project among Jeonnam, Busan, and Gyeongnam to develop the South Coast area into a global marine tourism destination. Refine the projects of the southern regional wide-area tourism development project, which is to be expanded to around 3 trillion won, and the city and county plans to provide practical help to frontline cities and counties, ensuring Jeonnam receives the greatest benefits.”

Regarding securing the 2024 national budget, he said, “From now on, thoroughly prepare to discover new projects so that they can be reflected in the budget proposals of each ministry in April and May.”

He also stressed revitalizing the local economy through the activation of the Hometown Love Donation Program.

Governor Kim encouraged, “Since the Hometown Love Donation Program, which started this January, still has low awareness, let’s devise promotional measures within the legal framework and propose to the government any parts that do not fit reality. Taking as a lesson the program’s rapid growth in Japan?from 82 billion won in 2008 when it first started to about 8 trillion won now, a 1000-fold increase?I hope all departments take interest and actively engage.”

He did not forget the worst drought in 50 years.

He stated, “The patterns of occurrence of monsoons, typhoons, and droughts are changing significantly compared to the past, so we must be vigilant and prepare. Therefore, while responding well immediately, let’s also actively address permanent measures, including the rapid construction of a wide-area water supply network for island regions.”