Provincial Council Raises Issue of Balanced Development Between East and West
Statement Released, Emphasizing Continued Tailored Support Covering All 22 Cities and Counties
Jeollanam-do emphasized its commitment to achieving balanced development that ensures all residents prosper together, in response to proposals raised at the Jeollanam-do Provincial Council plenary session regarding balanced development between the eastern and western regions and the establishment of a (tentatively named) Jeonnam Balanced Development Headquarters.
On the 21st, Jeollanam-do released a statement through its spokesperson, saying, "Our role is to work for the happiness and well-being of our residents and to find ways for all of Jeollanam-do to thrive together. We are continuously implementing tailored balanced development policies that leverage the unique characteristics and resources of each region."
In accordance with the 'Ordinance on Supporting Regional Balanced Development and Win-Win Cooperation,' Jeollanam-do provides differentiated financial support, including preferential measures such as increasing subsidy rates for areas with weaker fiscal conditions. Since 2019, the province has been implementing the 'Jeonnam-Style Balanced Development Strategic Project,' with a budget of 10 billion won per city or county, starting with those with the weakest finances. Since 2023, this initiative has been expanded into the 'Jeonnam-Style Balanced Development 300 Project,' with a budget of 30 billion won, further enhancing effectiveness through customized project design based on local needs.
The opening of the Eastern Government Office in 2023 was a decisive step to improve access to administrative services and to implement field-oriented policies. The Eastern Government Office was upgraded to a second-level headquarters, and its organization was significantly expanded from 1 bureau, 13 divisions, and about 150 staff to 3 bureaus, 2 offices, 13 divisions, and 302 staff, thereby strengthening its role as an administrative hub for balanced development.
Jeollanam-do stated, "What matters most is that we serve all residents and are doing our utmost to ensure there is no neglect in achieving balanced development," emphasizing that the province works for the entirety of Jeollanam-do regardless of the location of government offices.
As representative examples, the project to develop Yeosu and Gwangyang Ports as Arctic route hub ports is being proactively discussed and strategically promoted by the governor and the Department of Oceans and Fisheries. The 'Jeonnam International Ink Biennale,' held in Mokpo, Jindo, and Haenam, is being successfully managed by the Department of Cultural Prosperity at the Eastern Government Office.
Additionally, Jeollanam-do noted that its ongoing policies align with the new national policy direction, increasing the province's development potential. The province plans to work closely with the central government to steadily pursue major issues such as attracting a national medical school, fostering the renewable energy industry, transforming the petrochemical and steel industries, expanding large-scale social overhead capital, developing Yeosu and Gwangyang Ports as Arctic route hub ports, and attracting COP33.
Jeollanam-do reiterated, "We sincerely value the concerns about balanced development raised by the provincial council and will continue to do our utmost to create a Jeollanam-do where all residents prosper together."
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