Commemorative Ceremony for the 50th Anniversary of Changwon National Industrial Complex Designation, a Driving Force of South Korea's Economic Growth

The 50th anniversary ceremony of the designation of Changwon National Industrial Complex in Gyeongnam was held on the 24th at the Changwon Convention Center (CECO).

The 50th anniversary ceremony of the designation of Changwon National Industrial Complex in Gyeongnam was held.
[Photo by Lee Seryeong]

The ceremony was attended by Han Duck-soo, Prime Minister; Kang Kyung-sung, 1st Vice Minister of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy; Park Wan-su, Governor of Gyeongnam Province; Hong Nam-pyo, Mayor of Changwon Special City; Lee Sang-hoon, Chairman of Korea Industrial Complex Corporation; Koo Ja-cheon, Chairman of the Changwon National Industrial Complex Development Council; representatives of resident companies and workers of Changwon National Industrial Complex, and about 400 others.

The ceremony, hosted by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and Gyeongnam Province and organized by Changwon City and the Gyeongnam Headquarters of Korea Industrial Complex Corporation, proceeded in the order of pre-ceremony performance, progress report, welcome speech, presentation of the vision for the next 50 years, awards for meritorious persons, congratulatory speeches, commemorative ceremony, and theme performance.

Park Wan-su, Governor of Gyeongnam Province, is delivering a welcome address to attendees at the 50th anniversary ceremony of the designation of Changwon National Industrial Complex.
[Photo by Lee Se-ryeong]

Governor Park said, "Changwon National Industrial Complex itself is a milestone in South Korea's industrialization and economic development, representing the country's industrial advancement." He added, "However, I believe it is time not to be satisfied here but to design the next 50 years."

He continued, "I think today's ceremony is an occasion to look back on the past 50 years of history and achievements of Changwon National Industrial Complex and to seek directions for development for the next 50 years," and said, "Going forward, Gyeongnam Province will actively support the digital transformation of Changwon National Industrial Complex and the creation of a youth-friendly industrial culture complex."

Mayor Hong presented a blueprint for the future 50 years of Changwon National Industrial Complex, declaring, "We will make Changwon National Industrial Complex the Changwon Industrial Innovation Park leading South Korea's next 50 years."

He also announced four major strategies for this: ▲ Establishing a world-class manufacturing innovation ecosystem ▲ Transitioning to a carbon-neutral leading industrial complex ▲ Campus-style industrial complex through building a continuous learning platform ▲ Expanding cultural, leisure, and tourism content.

Hong Nampyo, Mayor of Changwon Special City in Gyeongnam, is presenting the future development direction and vision at the 50th anniversary ceremony of the designation of Changwon National Industrial Complex.
[Photo by Lee Seryeong]

He said, "We have agonized intensely, seeking alternatives through painful reflection so that young people do not leave Changwon in search of jobs and so that the industrial complex does not become a bleak place where people only work and leave."

"Considering the future of Changwon National Industrial Complex as the future of South Korea, we will realize the Changwon Industrial Innovation Park that leads South Korea's next 50 years," he added, "Thank you for being part of this historic moment today."

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo delivers a congratulatory speech on the 50th anniversary of the designation of Changwon National Industrial Complex in Gyeongnam.
[Photo by Lee Se-ryeong]

Prime Minister Han said, "The half-century of Changwon National Industrial Complex can be seen as the history of South Korea's economic growth," and expressed gratitude to the entrepreneurs and workers who have worked hard in the industrial field.

He also said, "Our manufacturing industry stands amid issues such as structural transformation due to digital technology development and carbon neutrality, as well as global export declines," adding, "We must revive our economic vitality through manufacturing innovation. I expect this to begin with the future vision of Changwon National Industrial Complex."

A commemorative ceremony is taking place at the 50th anniversary celebration of the designation of Changwon National Industrial Complex in Gyeongnam.
[Photo by Lee Seryeong]

Since its designation as a national industrial complex on April 1, 1974, Changwon National Industrial Complex has grown as a hub of the machinery industry, the foundation of manufacturing, and currently leads the development of nuclear power, defense, atomic energy, automobile, and shipbuilding industries, establishing itself as a center of South Korea's economic growth.

The number of resident companies, which was 44 at the time of designation, has increased to about 3,000, and the annual production value, which was 1.5 billion KRW, has surpassed 60 trillion KRW.

The production value in the machinery sector exceeds 20 trillion KRW annually, ranking first among 38 national industrial complexes, and exports, which were 600,000 USD at the time of designation, have grown significantly to 18.3 billion USD, continuing on a path of growth.