Relocation of HMM Headquarters to Serve as Catalyst for New Marine Industry Cluster
Central Role for the Maritime Capital... Need for Establishment of Maritime Court and Development of Arctic Shipping Routes
The Busan Chamber of Commerce and Industry on June 11 welcomed President Lee Jaemyung's decision instructing the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to relocate to Busan, and issued an official statement expressing the strong support of the local business community.
In its statement, the Busan Chamber of Commerce and Industry emphasized that "the relocation of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries goes beyond a simple transfer of a government ministry. It represents a shift in the national governance paradigm aimed at overcoming the Seoul metropolitan area's dominance and achieving genuine balanced national development." The statement also stressed that "this move will serve as an opportunity to reorganize the marine economy system with Busan, the maritime capital, at its center."
The local business community also pointed out that Busan has long been relatively neglected due to a policy-making structure centered on the Seoul metropolitan area. They argued that Busan, as the heart of the marine economy, should establish itself as the central hub of the marine industry.
Regarding the relocation of HMM's headquarters to Busan, the statement said, "This is not simply about attracting a large corporation. It is a groundbreaking turning point that can promote the formation of a cluster encompassing the shipping, port, and logistics industries, while also leading to increased youth employment, expanded regional investment, and strengthened industrial capabilities." The statement called for strong government action to drive this initiative forward.
Yang Jaesaeng, the chairman, stated, "The local business community warmly welcomes the swift implementation of the President's campaign pledges, such as the relocation of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and HMM to Busan, since his inauguration." He added, "As Busan, the maritime capital, is the optimal choice for structural innovation in the marine industry and for securing global competitiveness, we hope the government will demonstrate strong leadership to ensure the smooth progress of related projects."
The chamber also proposed consolidating functions such as the International Maritime Organization, maritime courts, and marine insurance in Busan, where maritime cases are concentrated and marine-related businesses are clustered. Additionally, it suggested that research, development, and demonstration projects related to the development of Arctic shipping routes should also be centered in Busan.
This statement is based on a broad consensus within the Busan business community and is expected to serve as a practical turning point for national maritime policy and industrial strategy.
Busan Chamber of Commerce and Industry
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