Over 40 Years Since the Introduction of Agro-industrial Complexes:
Deepening Stagnation Due to Aging Facilities and Regional Extinction Crisis
"Integrating Support Systems for Agro-industrial Complexes
to Counter Regional Extinction and Revitalize Local Economies"
Eo Gigu, Chairman of the National Assembly Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, Livestock, Food, Rural Affairs, Oceans and Fisheries. /Photo by Office of the Member
Democratic Party lawmaker Uh Ki-gu (Dangjin-si, Chungnam) announced on the 24th that he has proposed the "Special Act for the Revitalization of Agro-industrial Complexes" to strengthen the industrial base in rural and fishing communities.
Since their introduction in 1983, agro-industrial complexes have served as the economic hub of rural and fishing regions for over 40 years. However, they have recently faced stagnation due to aging and insufficient infrastructure, as well as the looming crisis of regional extinction.
Additionally, because these complexes are industrial parks established in rural and fishing areas, the authority is dispersed among the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. The scattered regulations across various laws have made unified and systematic support difficult, highlighting the need for an integrated support system.
The core of this special act proposed by Uh is to require the national and local governments to secure the necessary budget and establish and implement relevant policies to revitalize agro-industrial complexes. The act also calls for the establishment of an Agro-industrial Complex Committee to set policy directions and prepare a comprehensive plan for revitalization.
Furthermore, the act includes provisions to: ▲expand and digitalize/eco-friendly upgrade the infrastructure of agro-industrial complexes ▲introduce a system for public institutions to prioritize purchasing from resident companies ▲support worker welfare and vocational training ▲establish the Korea Agro-industrial Complex Association, all aimed at promoting the sustainable development of these complexes.
Uh Ki-gu stated, "Agro-industrial complexes are a crucial pillar of rural economies, but compared to national and general industrial complexes, they suffer from outdated infrastructure and lack of accessibility, leading to labor shortages and operational difficulties for companies. I hope that the enactment of this special law will strengthen the competitiveness of agro-industrial complexes and contribute to countering regional extinction and revitalizing local economies."
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