Calls for Action in Five-Minute Free Speech
Highlighting the Need to Revitalize Daegu's Printing Industry
Proposing Concrete Support Measures for Sustainable Growth
Jongpil Park, a proportional representative from the People Power Party and member of the Daegu City Council, will strongly urge the establishment of measures to revitalize Daegu's printing industry during a five-minute free speech at the 2nd plenary session of the 319th extraordinary meeting scheduled for September 3.
Park points out, "Daegu has long been known as a textile city, but behind this reputation lies the printing industry, which has quietly supported the region's industries. However, even in the names of the Daegu Publishing Industrial Complex and its support center, 'printing' has been excluded, failing to reflect the direction in which printing and publishing should grow together."
He also notes, "Currently, the Daegu Publishing Industrial Complex is home to 122 companies and about 960 workers. Although it has been 15 years since the industrial complex was established and 8 years since the support center was founded, this year Daegu's support for the printing industry amounts to only one case, totaling just 50 million won. Most of the budget and projects are executed solely for the publishing industry."
Park further states, "The Publishing Industry Support Center was established in 2017 at a cost of 22.6 billion won, but most of the budget has been spent on personnel and management expenses, resulting in insufficient support for companies and limited exchange with the printing sector. Now, we must secure expertise in the printing industry and establish a practical cooperation system by having the Daegu-Gyeongbuk Printing Cooperative move into the center."
Accordingly, he proposes concrete support measures, including considering renaming the Daegu Publishing Industrial Complex and the support center to 'Daegu Printing and Publishing Industrial Complex' and 'Daegu Printing and Publishing Industry Support Center,' respectively; supporting the replacement of outdated printing machinery and improvement of working environments; expanding worker convenience facilities such as ATMs and book cafes; and providing technical training spaces and equipment to foster new talent.
Jongpil Park emphasized, "The printing industry is by no means a declining industry. Its potential is limitless as it connects with various fields such as semiconductor packaging, logistics packaging, and eco-friendly materials. Daegu City must re-examine the original purpose of establishing the publishing industrial complex and support center, and prepare realistic and sincere support measures to foster the printing industry as a strategic industry."
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