$352 Million in FDI Recorded from January to April, Marking the Highest Performance Ever for the Period
Park Seongho: “Result of Transition to Strategic Attraction Model, Leading Advanced Industry and Complex Development Investments”
As of the end of April, the Busanjin-Hae Economic Free Zone Authority recorded $352 million in foreign direct investment (FDI), marking the highest four-month performance since its establishment.
This figure represents an increase of approximately 66% compared to the same period in 2024 ($211.69 million). The achievement is especially significant given the challenging external environment, including the global economic slowdown and uncertainties in supply chains.
This accomplishment is particularly seen as the result of the "strategic attraction model transition" initiated after Commissioner Park Seongho took office.
Until now, the authority has restructured its investment attraction portfolio away from a focus on simple manufacturing, instead centering on high value-added service industries and complex development-type investments.
In fact, most of the foreign-invested companies attracted this year have adopted complex investment models that combine advanced industries, smart logistics, and global research and development functions. These investments are expected to have a positive impact on both urban living conditions and the overall industrial ecosystem.
The economic effects of this investment attraction performance are also noteworthy. Based on input-output analysis, the Busanjin-Hae Economic Free Zone Authority estimates that investment performance in the first half of the year will generate approximately KRW 830 billion in production inducement effects and create about 2,800 direct and indirect jobs.
Beyond the short-term inflow of investment funds, the structural ripple effects are becoming more pronounced, including the expansion of high-quality jobs for local youth, industry-academia cooperation with local universities, and integration with urban functions.
Commissioner Park Seongho stated, "The significance of this achievement lies not only in the investment amount but also in the transformation of the investment attraction structure," adding, "The Busanjin-Hae Economic Free Zone is evolving beyond an industrial complex into an urban, complex economic hub where global talent and technology converge. In the second half of the year, we will continue to expand a sustainable investment ecosystem by building precise partnerships with companies from the Middle East, North America, and Asia, focusing on strategic industries."
The authority plans to continue expanding its "strategic attraction model," approaching foreign investment not simply as a matter of attraction, but from a multifaceted perspective that includes connections with the local community, residential infrastructure, and the creation of high-quality jobs.
In particular, the authority is preparing to become a global complex investment hub where cities and industries grow together, leveraging the development of the southern hinterland container complex at Busan New Port and the connectivity of infrastructure linked to the new Gadeokdo Airport.
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