Participation of 16 Organizations, Companies, and Groups in Proposals for National Funding Projects
The Gwangyang Port Win-Win Cooperation Council is a consultative body launched in April last year, consisting of 16 organizations, companies, and groups related to the port. Its purpose is to establish an effective cooperation system and discuss key issues concerning the port.
At the meeting, six agenda items were discussed: a joint proposal for national funding projects in response to the Arctic route and the relocation of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to Busan; the promotion of social contribution activities by port workers to commemorate Gwangyang Port Day; support for additional permits for handling items at the Raw Material Pier No. 7; expansion of support projects for eco-friendly cargo handling equipment; installation of charging facilities for eco-friendly cargo handling equipment within terminals; and a request to hold a meeting regarding improvements to terminal ancillary costs and services.
In particular, as the current administration has designated Gwangyang Port as part of the Arctic route area and is pursuing related policies, participants agreed that the "joint proposal for national funding projects in response to the Arctic route and the relocation of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to Busan" should serve as a turning point for revitalizing Gwangyang Port.
Deputy Mayor Kim Jeongwan, who presided over the meeting, stated, "Advancing into the Arctic route and responding to the relocation of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries are crucial opportunities that will determine the future competitiveness of Gwangyang Port. We will do our utmost to achieve tangible results through continuous consultation and securing national funding."
The council plans to submit a joint proposal to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries regarding six national funding projects: the construction of a connecting road between Gwangyang Port and Yulchon Industrial Complex, the Phase 3-3 development of Gwangyang Port, dredging of the approach channel at the product pier, dredging of the approach channel at the container pier, establishment of a national smart port MRO workforce training center, and attracting a Gwangyang branch of the Korea Maritime Institute. For other agenda items requiring further discussion, the council plans to develop concrete implementation plans through future working-level meetings and consultations.
Jeong Seungjae, head of the Steel Port Division of Gwangyang City, stated, "Taking this council meeting as an opportunity, we will further solidify our foundation for collaboration with related organizations and actively pursue future-oriented strategic projects such as pioneering the Arctic route."
Meanwhile, Gwangyang City, together with Jeollanam-do Province, Yeosu City, and Yeosu Gwangyang Port Authority, will co-host the "Yeosu Gwangyang Port Arctic Route Hub Port National Assembly Seminar" at 3:00 p.m. on July 31 in the 6th Conference Room of the National Assembly Members' Office Building, where members of the National Assembly from the Jeonnam region, academia, and related experts will discuss response strategies.
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