The Gyeongnam provincial administration under Governor Park Wansu, which has been focused on "restoring the collapsed Gyeongnam economy" during the 8th term of local government, has set "protecting the happiness and health of residents" as its goal for the second half of the term.
On the 24th, Governor Park Wansu held a press conference in the main conference room of the provincial government and stated, "We will open a new era of happiness for all Gyeongnam residents together."
Park Wansu, Governor of Gyeongnam Province, is explaining the direction of the provincial administration for the second half of the 8th term of the local government. [Photo by Lee Seryeong]
Governor Park said, "While continuing the policies for fostering key industries and revitalizing the economy that we focused on in the first half, we will now place greater emphasis on the happiness of residents, expanding welfare, supporting the vulnerable, ensuring enjoyable and happy lives, promoting health and safety, and creating hope for the future of Gyeongnam."
He cited the following achievements over the past two years: 20 consecutive months of trade surplus, the highest export growth rate in the country, a record-high investment attraction of 9.3 trillion won in 2023, the highest-ever employment rate of 63.2%, and the lowest-ever unemployment rate of 1.8%.
He reflected, "From the moment I took office, I focused on properly rebuilding the struggling Gyeongnam economy and laying the foundation for a new leap forward. Our key industries have regained vitality, various economic indicators have improved, Gyeongnam's status has been elevated, and this has led to improved resident satisfaction, higher positive evaluations of the governor, and increased interest in the provincial administration."
A press conference on the operational direction for the second half of the 8th term of the Gyeongnam provincial government was held in the main conference room of the Gyeongnam Provincial Office. [Photo by Gyeongnam Provincial Office]
Governor Park stated that in the second half, he will continue the achievements of economic recovery while placing value on resident welfare, inclusiveness, and hope as the guiding principles of the administration.
He presented nine operational directions for the administration: ▲expanding tangible welfare across all life stages ▲strengthening resident health and safety ▲integrated welfare without exclusion ▲balance between work and life ▲creating an environment for harmonious living with foreigners ▲ensuring a life of leisure and vitality for residents ▲nurturing future talent ▲fostering industries, and ▲creating hope for Gyeongnam through new challenges.
In the second half, the province will provide customized welfare support across all generations, from infants to the elderly, through initiatives such as infant formula support, interest-free housing loans for youth, and free public transportation for transportation-vulnerable groups.
By establishing the Gyeongnam-style crisis management center, building a mental health support system, and expanding comprehensive health checkup support for low-income groups, the province will take care of both physical and mental health of residents.
A control tower capable of providing integrated welfare support at each stage will be established, creating a system in which the province comprehensively addresses and resolves difficulties faced by residents, beyond what is provided at the national level.
Issues such as crisis families, isolated individuals, and reclusive youth will be addressed through a comprehensive system that goes beyond fragmented support and ensures thorough follow-up management.
Measures such as providing 1,000-won breakfast for workers, building complex cultural centers in industrial complexes, and expanding rest areas for delivery and courier workers will further support workers responsible for the province's industries. Support systems for the rapidly increasing number of foreign workers and residents, including settlement and education support, will also be comprehensively organized.
The province will enrich the cultural, artistic, tourism, and sports infrastructure by hosting international cycling competitions along the southern coast, successfully holding the National Sports Festival, and creating regional arboretums.
Efforts will also be intensified to nurture local talent through the establishment of the Gyeongnam Institute of Science and Technology, expanding the designation of glocal universities, and supporting the development of Gyeongnam-style regional specialized schools.
The province will also significantly expand support for creating a wide-area tourism belt centered on the southern coast, Jirisan, and Nakdonggang, promoting startups, developing next-generation energy such as small modular reactors (SMR) and hydrogen, and fostering future strategic industries such as advanced bio and digital industries.
Additionally, by pursuing 30 urban-rural cooperation projects by 2030, the province aims to achieve balanced development between cities and rural areas, establish the Gyeongnam-style grid transportation network, and create a one-hour living zone through future aviation mobility transfer centers and other initiatives.
Governor Park stated, "Unlike other regions, Gyeongnam has many key industries, so there are many cases where young talent cannot find the jobs they want and end up leaving. We will diversify industries such as software, tourism services, advanced bio, and digital, and promote startups so that young people can find and pursue the jobs they want right here in Gyeongnam."
He added, "In the second half, the provincial administration will shift from being governor-centered to an operation where directors and department heads have responsibility and authority. We will also pay more attention to relationships with political circles, both domestic and overseas, as well as local politicians, and lead an administration that is more closely connected to the field."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
