Proposal for Revitalizing Local Economy through Promotion of Regional Specialty Product Consumption
The Incheon City Council announced the results of a study aimed at finding ways to revitalize the local economy by promoting the consumption of regional specialties.
The council's research group, 'Creative Research Association Using Regional Specialties,' recently held a final report meeting for the research project attended by Park Chang-ho (National, Proportional Representation), Lee Myung-gyu (National, Bupyeong-gu 1), Lee Sun-ok (National, Namdong-gu 2), and Park Pan-soon (National, Proportional Representation), the council announced on the 4th.
Experts present at the meeting included Park Du-kyung, head of the Industry-Academia Cooperation Foundation at Cheongwoon University, research professor Park Jae-young, Lee Jung-won, CEO of Deokdahun Co., Ltd., Oh Je-hyuk, CEO of JH Korea, and Kang Baram, manager at Incheon Technopark.
The 'Creative Research Group Using Local Specialties,' a research group of Incheon City Council members, is taking a commemorative photo after completing the final research service report meeting. Provided by Incheon City Council
Professor Park, who conducted the research project for the association, emphasized, "Sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene, gallium, and calcium and are considered a complete food. Processing and reproducing the regional specialty of Ganghwa-gun, the Soknorang sweet potato, into liquid cleansing products such as shampoo and liquid soap for sale could serve as a good precedent for revitalizing the local economy."
He continued, "In a public opinion survey conducted during the policy research project, 94% of the 108 respondents expressed willingness to purchase cleansing products and cosmetics made from regional specialties, and many responded that a selling price around 10,000 KRW would be appropriate."
In particular, Professor Park predicted, "As demand for 'vegan' products has increased, if not only the products but also the packaging and distribution are eco-friendly, they will be sufficiently competitive in the (eco-friendly related) market."
Councilor Lee Myung-gyu said, "It is very encouraging to revitalize the local economy through the development of various products using Ganghwa Soknorang sweet potatoes," adding, "If the comparative advantages of Ganghwa Soknorang sweet potatoes over regular sweet potatoes are emphasized, even more positive results can be expected."
Additionally, councilors Park Pan-soon and Lee Sun-ok suggested, "If liquid soap or shampoo made from Ganghwa Soknorang sweet potatoes receive approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in the future, we hope to consider placing eco-friendly products made from regional specialties in medical institutions."
Park Chang-ho, the representative councilor of the research group, stated, "There are survey results showing that the public perceives the economy to be more difficult than during the COVID-19 pandemic period," adding, "While various efforts are needed for economic recovery, promoting the consumption of regional specialties to revitalize the local economy can be a good starting point." He further added, "We will compile the opinions from today's final report meeting and present them as alternatives to the Incheon city administration."
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