Choi Jae-ho, Chairman of Changwon Chamber of Commerce, "Will Leave Results That Revive the Local Economy Instead of Photos"

"I will create the Changwon Chamber of Commerce and Industry that leaves results instead of commemorative photos."

Choi Jae-ho, chairman of the Changwon Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Gyeongnam, said this at a press briefing held on the 15th.

Chairman Choi, the newly appointed head of Changwon Chamber, expressed his ambition, saying, "I do not want to say that I will work hard and definitely achieve it," and added, "I will not just be active in words but will take action."

Marking one month since his inauguration, Chairman Choi pointed out the key focuses for the future operation of the Changwon Chamber as ▲acting as a spokesperson for local companies ▲regional balanced development ▲social contribution activities.

Choi Jae-ho, chairman of the Changwon Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Gyeongnam, is discussing future operational plans at a press conference with reporters.
[Photo by Lee Se-ryeong]

He said, "One of the reasons for the existence of the Chamber of Commerce is to protect the rights and interests of member companies," and added, "We will look into what parts of the local business community are relatively disadvantaged and convey the voices from the field to local governments to request improvements in laws and systems."

"I plan to visit all member companies within this year," he said, "Listening to the difficulties of each company and focusing on field-centered problem-solving to produce results that revive the local economy."

"We will actively cooperate with various local government activities but will clearly voice our demands when necessary," he added.

He emphasized the need for differentiated policies for non-metropolitan companies.

Chairman Choi said, "Gyeongnam, including Changwon, has been the manufacturing hub of South Korea and has contributed greatly to national economic development, but compared to the metropolitan area, it has suffered relative deprivation, such as being a railroad blind spot and lacking a law school or a Korean medicine college," and added, "Reducing that deprivation is advancing regional balanced development and is a task for regional growth, so I will focus my capabilities on this."

Furthermore, he stated, "Various government policies centered on the metropolitan area should be expanded to local companies," and argued, "Tax reforms such as differentiated application of corporate tax, income tax, and inheritance tax for non-metropolitan areas are necessary."

"What young people need most to return to local areas is jobs that they want," he said, "For this, it is not enough to just attract companies; we must create an environment conducive to doing business."

"We should not be satisfied with a shark entering a small fishbowl but must make it possible for the shark to live," he added, "I will devote all my efforts to creating a rationale to prevent attracted companies from returning to the metropolitan area and to solve this problem."

Chairman Choi mentioned the youth employment issue, saying, "We are planning a 100-person employment project by forming a team to employ 100 people and preparing a youth startup space where young people can start businesses."

"Considering the voices of companies struggling to hire and job seekers who say there are no desirable jobs, we are reviewing ways to promote this as a pilot project," he said, "We must prepare now with a view to the next 10 years for the future."

Choi Jae-ho, Chairman of the Changwon Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Gyeongnam, is answering reporters' questions at a press briefing.
[Photo by Lee Se-ryeong]

Chairman Choi said, "We are also preparing social contribution activities to work together with the local community."

"To empathize with local residents, we must volunteer," he said, "Not just simply donating money, but starting with a rice cake soup sharing event before the Lunar New Year, we will conduct social contribution activities 2 to 3 times a month, reflecting on the local community with a spirit of sacrifice and volunteerism, acting and practicing."

He also said, "I will take the lead in uniting all local figures from local governments, politics, economy, and media to raise one voice whenever the name Gyeongnam is mentioned."

"Regardless of political views or interests, I will unite the local members of the National Assembly to produce a unified force for the local people, even if it means pleading with them," he said, "I will also visit our local-origin members of the National Assembly in other places to seek help in revitalizing the local economy."

Chairman Choi said, "I intend to devote myself to revitalizing the local economy for three years," and added, "I will look at the region with a humble attitude together with local companies and spread warm influence."