Response to Petrochemical and Steel Industry Crises
Emphasis on SOC and Disaster Safety
Jeollanam-do Governor Kim Youngrok held a press conference on the third anniversary of the 8th local government at Suncheon Ecograd Hotel on the 8th, presenting the "Achievements and Vision of the Eastern Jeonnam Region." Provided by Jeonnam Province
On the 8th, Jeollanam-do Governor Kim Youngrok stated, "We must expedite the execution of the supplementary budget for people's livelihoods, such as by helping residents easily apply for the consumption coupons starting on the 21st to encourage rapid spending. We should also accelerate our response to crises in the petrochemical and steel industries, as well as SOC (social overhead capital) projects."
That morning, at the Eastern Regional Headquarters, Governor Kim held a policy meeting with department heads and emphasized the need for swift budget execution, saying, "Now that the government’s supplementary budget has been finalized, the central government plans to execute 88% of it within three months."
He further instructed, "Except for projects like SOC that require design work and thus cannot be implemented immediately, all other projects should be ready for immediate execution as soon as the budget is allocated."
Regarding the consumption coupons for livelihood recovery, he noted, "For the elderly and other vulnerable groups, the application process may not be easy." He continued, "Let us spread the exemplary case of Gurye County’s so-called 'village-assigned public officials,' where township staff visit each village to assist with applications, to other cities and counties. By quickly processing applications and facilitating prompt consumption, we can help revitalize the local economy."
He also mentioned, "For the government’s supplementary budget related to the petrochemical industry crisis response, we secured 5.2 billion won, which is 1.5 billion won more than the government’s original proposal of 3.7 billion won. Although it is regrettable that we could not secure more due to the consumption coupon program, the fact that the amount was increased at all acknowledges the crisis in the Jeonnam region."
Governor Kim instructed, "In connection with the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo, systematically promote '2026 Year of Visiting Islands' to boost island tourism." He added, "Although the offshore wind power project in the eastern region started late, please pay close attention and push for rapid progress."
Regarding SOC projects in the eastern region, he encouraged, "Let us thoroughly respond to preliminary feasibility studies for projects such as the Jeolla Line high-speed railway, as well as other railway and national/local road projects, to accelerate their implementation."
On disaster preparedness, he stated, "Let us thoroughly prepare for all summer disasters, including water safety accidents, to prevent any loss of life. Since the line between natural disasters and man-made disasters is often unclear, we must remain vigilant and strictly comply with all obligations under the Serious Accidents Punishment Act in advance."
Governor Kim remarked, "Since the opening preparations for the Eastern Regional Office began in July 2023, we have focused on field-oriented work for over two years, and residents’ evaluations have been generally positive. In particular, we have responded well to recent challenges such as the difficulties faced by Yeosu’s petrochemical complex companies, employment instability, and the crisis in the steel industry caused by U.S. tariff hikes. I hope you will continue to communicate with residents and respond effectively in the future."
He also reiterated the need for swift action, saying, "There is only one year left in the 8th local administration. Please make sure to address any unfinished projects, and accelerate ongoing projects, especially those that have taken nearly a decade to complete."
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