Urban Convergence Special Zone Development Forum Launched on April 29
Cooperation Among National Assembly, Government, Local Governments, Private Sector, and Academia
"Creating Effective Special Zones for Balanced Development"
Jo Incheol, Member of the National Assembly.
Jo Incheol, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea (representing Gwangju Seo-gu Gap), expressed a strong commitment to the success of the Gwangju Urban Convergence Special Zone on the occasion of the launch of the 'Urban Convergence Special Zone Development Forum'.
On April 29, Jo stated, "The Urban Convergence Special Zone will serve as an engine to revitalize major regional cities," and added, "As an executive committee member, I will ensure that local voices are reflected in practical policies and legislation, and I will spare no effort to support the Gwangju Urban Convergence Special Zone in becoming the central axis of balanced development."
The 'Urban Convergence Special Zone Development Forum' was launched on this day with the purpose of systematically supporting the creation of Urban Convergence Special Zones through cooperation among the National Assembly, the government, local governments, academia, and the private sector.
The forum aims to enhance the competitiveness of regional hub cities and contribute to balanced national development by creating complex spaces that integrate industry, residential, and cultural functions in the urban centers of the five major metropolitan cities: Gwangju, Busan, Daejeon, Daegu, and Ulsan. Jo is also participating as an executive committee member of the forum.
The Urban Convergence Special Zone is a metropolitan growth hub project that creates complex innovation spaces?combining industry, residential, and cultural functions?in the downtown areas of major regional cities and concentrates cross-ministerial business support projects to drive corporate investment and youth job creation. The project is being promoted based on the "Special Act on the Creation and Promotion of Urban Convergence Special Zones," enacted in October 2023.
Jo has played a leading role in designating the Sangmu District in Gwangju as an Urban Convergence Special Zone and has continued to provide legislative support to vitalize the special zone, such as promoting tax reduction legislation for start-ups and foreign-invested companies. Jo envisions that youth job creation and corporate attraction through the Urban Convergence Special Zone will serve as a catalyst for local economic recovery.
Jo emphasized, "The special zone must not be a simple redevelopment project, but rather a growth hub that fosters opportunities for future industries and young people."
Meanwhile, the launch ceremony was attended by major figures from each region, including lawmakers Jang Cheolmin (Daejeon Dong-gu), Seo Beomsoo (Ulsan Ulju-gun), Park Sungmin (Ulsan Jung-gu), Kim Miae (Busan Haeundae-eul), Park Yonggap (Daejeon Jung-gu), Woo Jaejun (Daegu Buk-gu Gap), as well as Yoo Deukwon, Deputy Mayor for Administrative Affairs of Daejeon, Ahn Hyodae, Deputy Mayor for Economic Affairs of Ulsan, Kim Bongcheol, Director General of Digital Economy of Busan, Kim Junyoung, Director General of Urban Space of Gwangju, Park Kihwan, Director General of Economic Affairs of Daegu, and Lee Sungeol, Mayor of Ulju-gun.
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