Necessity of Transitioning the Masan Free Trade Zone to a Sale-Based System Raised
On May 8, the Changwon Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Gyeongnam held a discussion forum titled "Exploring Development Strategies for a New Leap Forward in the Masan Free Trade Zone (FTZ)" in the main conference room on the second floor of the Changwon Chamber building.
This forum was part of the 28th Research Forum of the Changwon Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and focused on seeking policy and industrial solutions to enhance the economic growth potential and competitiveness of the Masan area.
The first presentation was delivered by Yang Hyunmo, CEO of Strategy Consulting Jiphyeon, who spoke on the topic of revitalizing free trade zones through digital transformation and other measures.
Yang pointed out, "The current free trade zones, which are centered on traditional manufacturing, have become entrenched in their existing management and operational methods, making it difficult to respond effectively to changes in internal and external environments. As a result, the competitiveness of resident companies has weakened, leading to a decline in the dynamism of the free trade zones." To address this, he emphasized, "It is essential to create high added value by digitally transforming (DX) the core functions of the free trade zones, such as manufacturing, logistics, and trade activities. In addition, to encourage new investment from resident companies, the current lease-based system should be converted to a sale-based system."
The second presentation was given by Han Wonmi, team leader at Korea Industrial Complex Corporation, who discussed growth strategies for industrial complexes and the manufacturing sector.
Han explained, "Due to the declining competitiveness and vitality of existing industrial complexes, a paradigm shift is inevitable. It is necessary to enhance competitiveness by supporting digitalization, low-carbon initiatives, and living infrastructure in line with changes in the industrial environment." She also noted, "In particular, the manufacturing sector in the Gyeongnam region is experiencing lower growth compared to the national average, and the outflow of young workers is leading to an aging production workforce." She stressed the need for: ▲ promoting the digital transformation of industrial complexes, ▲ advancing low-carbon initiatives in industrial complexes, ▲ upgrading the structure of aging industrial complexes, and ▲ innovating regulations and strengthening management of industrial complexes.
Choi Jaeho, Chairman of the Changwon Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stated, "This forum was not just an opportunity to point out problems, but a meaningful occasion where concrete solutions were shared for the Masan Free Trade Zone to once again become a forward base for the nation's export industry. I sincerely hope that the proposals discussed today will not end as a one-time event, but will lead to real policy changes and improvements in the industrial field."
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