"Attract Large Outlets to Gyeongbuk" ... Gyeongbuk Provincial Assembly Member Cha Ju-sik Urges

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Koo Dae-seon] Assemblyman Cha Ju-sik of Gyeongbuk Provincial Council (People Power Party·Gyeongsan) urged the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Gyeongbuk Province, Gyeongsan City, and Daegu-Gyeongbuk Free Economic Zone Authority to work together to promptly approve the development plan for the Gyeongsan Knowledge Industry District in order to attract a large-scale outlet during the temporary session held on the 9th.

Assemblyman Cha expressed regret, saying, "Due to the concentration of large-scale outlets in some areas such as the metropolitan area, residents of Gyeongbuk Province are traveling to the metropolitan area, Busan, and Gimhae for shopping, causing the added value of the Gyeongbuk region to be drained elsewhere."

He also emphasized, "Large-scale outlet stores operated by the top three domestic distribution companies have proven their investment value as sales increased by more than 10% in 2021 compared to 2020 despite the impact of COVID-19. Recently, the trend of large-scale outlets is evolving into experiential spaces suitable for weekend outings and includes various cultural contents. If attracted to Gyeongbuk, it will greatly influence the revitalization of the local economy."

Assemblyman Cha Ju-sik of Gyeongbuk Provincial Council.

Assemblyman Cha continued, "If the metropolitan railway and roads connected with the Daegu-Gyeongbuk Integrated New Airport, scheduled for completion in 2030, are linked, it will absorb the outlet demand group that previously mainly used the metropolitan area and Busan by connecting domestic and foreign tourists using the airport with the East Coast tourism zones such as Pohang, Gyeongju, and Yeongdeok." He raised his voice, saying, "To prepare various development foundations linked to the rise in the region's future value, it is essential to attract a large-scale outlet to Gyeongbuk."

Assemblyman Cha concluded his 5-minute speech by urging related organizations, including Gyeongbuk Province, to actively support the prompt approval of the "Gyeongsan Knowledge Industry District Development Plan Amendment" submitted by the Daegu-Gyeongbuk Free Economic Zone Authority to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.