Gumi to Become a Key Semiconductor Hub
Chamber of Commerce and Industry: "A Golden Opportunity for Industrial Ecosystem Development"
The Gumi Semiconductor Specialized Complex in North Gyeongsang Province has laid the groundwork to become a central hub for fostering national strategic industries, as it will receive support from the government's "Four Major Package" initiatives.
The Gyeongbuk (Gumi) Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcomed the government's announcement on April 15 regarding the "Strengthened Fiscal Investment Plan to Secure Global Semiconductor Competitiveness," stating, "This is a golden opportunity for Gumi to emerge as a key base in the semiconductor materials and components industry."
◆ Support from the Four Major Packages: Infrastructure, Investment Subsidies, Tax Benefits, and Talent Development
This plan consists of four areas: ▲Expanded national funding for infrastructure ▲Enhanced investment subsidies and tax benefits for materials, components, and equipment (MCE) companies ▲Accelerated development of next-generation semiconductor technologies ▲Fostering specialized talent.
In particular, the Gumi National Industrial Complex will see the ratio of national funding for infrastructure increase from the previous 20% for non-metropolitan areas to 40%, making it possible to secure up to 50 billion KRW in national funding. As a result, the construction of a bridge connecting Gumi National Industrial Complex Zones 1 to 3, with a total project cost of 150 billion KRW, is expected to gain momentum.
◆ Up to 20 Billion KRW in National Funding per Company... Tax and Financial Benefits Included
Semiconductor materials and components companies in the Gumi region will be eligible for investment subsidies covering up to 50% of new facility investments, and each company can receive up to 20 billion KRW in national funding. This is expected to become a turning point for attracting companies and fostering the growth of related industries.
Additionally, the tax credit rate for national strategic semiconductor technologies has been raised to a maximum of 20% for large and mid-sized companies and up to 30% for small and medium-sized enterprises. Alongside expanded technology guarantees, a total of 20 trillion KRW in low-interest financial support will also be provided, greatly improving the funding environment for companies.
◆ Gumi, an Opportunity to Rise as a Semiconductor Hub
Chairman Yoon Jaeho emphasized, "The government's comprehensive support measures are a decisive opportunity for Gumi to become the center of Korea's semiconductor industry," adding, "We will be able to secure competitiveness in various fields, including infrastructure expansion, technology development, and talent cultivation."
He added, "The Gyeongbuk Chamber of Commerce and Industry will connect government policies to practical benefits for local companies through various support programs and will actively work to establish cooperative networks among companies, the government, and research institutions."
◆ Acceleration of National Projects Such as Test and Evaluation Centers and Demonstration Infrastructure
Meanwhile, the city of Gumi is actively promoting national projects such as the "Semiconductor Materials and Components Test and Evaluation Center" and the "Demonstration Infrastructure for Advanced Defense Industry System Semiconductor Components."
Efforts are also underway to build the "Semiconductor Specialized Complex COMPLEX" for the manufacturing, demonstration, and commercialization of core materials and components related to system semiconductors in fields such as AI, defense, and mobility.
In addition, infrastructure to respond to future new materials?such as a testbed for next-generation wafer process equipment and manufacturing bases for GaN and gallium oxide epiwafers?is steadily being established.
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