Kim Dongyeon Holds Budget Policy Meeting with Democratic Party on the 10th... Requests 533.1 Billion Won in National Funding for 10 Projects

On September 10, Gyeonggi Province Governor Dongyeon Kim requested 533.1 billion won in national funding for ten major projects, including 207.2 billion won for the quasi-public operation of metropolitan buses, during a budget policy meeting with the Democratic Party held at the Gyeonggi Provincial Office.

In his opening remarks at the first budget policy meeting since the launch of the 8th popularly elected administration-held under the new circumstances of having both the governor, party leader, and lawmakers all from the ruling party-Governor Kim stated, "As the 'No. 1 partner in national governance,' Gyeonggi Province will fully demonstrate its prepared vision and accumulated capabilities together with the government of popular sovereignty." He emphasized, "Let us move forward powerfully toward the success of the people and the government of popular sovereignty as an even stronger 'Party-Government-National Assembly-Gyeonggi' one team, surpassing the previous 'Party-Government-National Assembly' one team."

He also declared, "Gyeonggi Province will vigorously play its role as the 'heart of growth' for the proud 'growth government'," outlining three plans: ▲ the 'Three Future Growth Projects' in semiconductors, climate economy, and AI; ▲ development of returned U.S. military bases; and ▲ regional hub development.

First, Gyeonggi Province aims to prepare for the future of South Korea through the 'Three Future Growth Projects' in semiconductors, climate economy, and AI. By leveraging talent, infrastructure, and a concentrated advanced industrial base, the province will establish the 'K-Semiconductor Mega Cluster' to strengthen the full-cycle semiconductor ecosystem. It will also build a 'Climate Tech Cluster' in the peace economy special zone in the border region to lead the climate economy, and plans to expand the achievements of the 'Gyeonggi RE100 Industrial Complex' to solidify the foundation for renewable energy.

Governor Kim said, "As we established the nation's first 'AI Bureau' in July last year, we will pave the way for South Korea to become one of the world's top three AI powers through the AI Computing Center and AI Highway."

Gyeonggi Province also plans to utilize returned U.S. military bases as a new axis of growth and railways as the arteries of development. For the first time among local governments, Gyeonggi Province will directly invest fiscal resources to accelerate development in these returned areas. Over the next ten years, the province will create a 300 billion won 'Gyeonggi U.S. Military Returned Base Development Fund' and expand metropolitan railways, including establishing an integrated network with the Metropolitan Express Railway (GTX) connected to the returned bases.

Furthermore, through regional hub development, the province aims to achieve both national growth and balanced development. In the northeastern region, which has endured triple hardships of job loss, population outflow, and local economic stagnation due to overlapping regulations, the province will swiftly establish a public medical center to ensure "special compensation for special sacrifices." In addition, by fostering strategic industries in each region, such as the Peace Economy Special Zone, Opportunity Development Special Zone, and Regulatory Free Special Zone, the province will realize the potential of every area. In southern Gyeonggi, it will create the 'Five Major Core Bio Innovation Clusters' and the 'Pangyo +20 Venture Startup Cluster' to strengthen South Korea's growth engine.

In his remarks, Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheongrae responded, "What is done in Gyeonggi Province often becomes a touchstone for South Korea's future growth, and various policies implemented here serve as a testbed. I believe Gyeonggi's development is South Korea's development. We will listen carefully to the province's requests and do our best to ensure the budget is tailored to Gyeonggi's needs."

Gyeonggi Province Governor Dongyeon Kim is taking a commemorative photo with attending lawmakers at the budget policy meeting with the Democratic Party held at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Office on the 10th. Photo by Gyeonggi Province

He added, "I understand Gyeonggi Province is implementing a 4.5-day workweek, which may be one of these testbeds. Hoping for its success, we have secured a budget of 27.6 billion won. In the future, the entire country may adopt the 4.5-day workweek, so I hope Gyeonggi can identify potential issues in advance and propose effective solutions."

He continued, "Governor Dongyeon Kim is practicing Gyeonggi RE100, and as we move into the RE100 era, failing to prepare would mean there is no future for the country. RE100 is an extremely important national growth strategy. I hope Gyeonggi's public sector RE100 initiative will be well established and successful."

Meanwhile, Gyeonggi Province has requested support for a total of 533.1 billion won for ten key projects that must be reflected in next year's National Assembly budget review.

The major projects include: ▲ 63 billion won for the Dobongsan-Okjeong metropolitan railway and 74.2 billion won for the Okjeong-Pocheon metropolitan railway; ▲ 207.2 billion won for the quasi-public operation of metropolitan buses; ▲ 23.9 billion won for improving areas at risk of natural disasters; ▲ 7 billion won for support of the Ansan Mental Health Center; ▲ 10 billion won for the construction of the Ansan Sewol Ferry Memorial Facility; ▲ 11.8 billion won for the RE100 Village Support Project; ▲ 27.4 billion won for operating special transportation for the mobility-impaired; ▲ 69.5 billion won for supporting the difference in childcare fees for the Nuri Curriculum; ▲ 8.5 billion won for establishing the Gyeonggi Circular Economy Utilization Center; and ▲ 900 million won for creating a historical and cultural space at the former site of the Seongam Academy.

Gyeonggi Province plans to closely cooperate with the Democratic Party to ensure that key issues are fully reflected in next year's National Assembly budget review, using this meeting as an opportunity.