On June 4, Gyeongbuk Province extended its congratulations on the election of the 21st President and announced its commitment to actively cooperate with the new government to lead the creation of a new Republic of Korea.
Lee Cheolwoo, Governor of Gyeongbuk, first expressed his congratulations and hopes by stating, "I sincerely congratulate the election of the 21st President, who will lead the future of the Republic of Korea, and I look forward to national advancement and unity of the people under new leadership."
He also emphasized a strong willingness to cooperate, stating, "Gyeongbuk will work closely with the new government to do its utmost to revitalize the local economy by restoring the happiness and livelihoods of the people, so that the Republic of Korea can become a top-tier nation."
With the launch of the new government, Gyeongbuk is currently focusing on swiftly recovering from the damage caused by the massive wildfire that occurred in March and rebuilding the community through innovative reinvention. In this context, Gyeongbuk expects that, together with the new President, it will be able to restore the burned forests, prevent secondary damage such as landslides, and transform mountains from mere scenery into economic assets. The province anticipates that the enactment of a special wildfire law and other measures will further strengthen its leading role in the restoration of the Baekdudaegan forests in Korea.
Furthermore, the full support of the new government is essential for the successful hosting of the 2025 APEC Summit, which is fast approaching. The APEC Summit will not only enhance the national brand of the Republic of Korea under the new government, but also serve as the most important and prestigious international stage where both the region and the nation can grow together.
Residents of the region also expect the new government to implement proactive regional balanced development policies to overcome the crisis of local extinction and realize balanced growth, thereby transforming 'disappearing regions' into 'revitalized regions.'
To this end, the province places the highest priority on the prompt construction of the Daegu-Gyeongbuk New Airport and the expansion of Yeongilman Port to secure new growth engines for the Yeongnam region and establish itself as a logistics and tourism hub connected to the world, thereby contributing to balanced national development and strengthening international competitiveness.
In addition, fostering strategic industries in which Gyeongbuk has strengths?such as AI and virtual convergence, next-generation bio, secondary batteries and future mobility, green steel and hydrogen, defense, semiconductors, and energy?will greatly contribute not only to the future of Gyeongbuk but also to Korea's leap toward becoming a top-tier nation. In this regard, Gyeongbuk plans to actively cooperate with the new government to further expand the industrial ecosystem.
Gyeongbuk Province also emphasizes the need to establish a comprehensive transportation network in all directions?east, west, south, and north?for balanced national development and to lay the foundation for regional growth, as well as the necessity of maintaining the lifelines of Yeongnam: the Nakdong River, Geumho River, and Hyeongsan River.
The province plans to actively propose and consult with the new government regarding the construction of ultra-wide road and rail networks, including the North-South Axis Expressway, East-West Trans-Korea Railway, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Circular Railway, and the metropolitan railway connecting Daegu-Gyeongbuk and Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam. These efforts aim not only to guarantee the people's right to mobility by closely linking regional hubs, but also to serve as a driving force for economic growth.
Moreover, Gyeongbuk Province will carry out comprehensive maintenance of the three major national rivers?Nakdong, Geumho, and Hyeongsan?to prepare for floods and droughts caused by the climate crisis. At the same time, it plans to establish tourism infrastructure utilizing river resources, such as attracting the World Water Forum and creating a riverside national garden.
Lee Cheolwoo, Governor of Gyeongbuk, expressed his strong determination by stating, "Gyeongbuk has historically stood at the center and protected the nation in times of national crisis, and together with the new government, we will create a new leap forward for the Republic of Korea."
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