Statement Released via Facebook
Economic Ripple Effect Estimated at 7 Trillion Won
On November 6, Lee Cheolwoo, Governor of Gyeongbuk Province, stated, "It is deeply regrettable, to the point of being concerned about our national dignity, that political disputes are arising over what has been the most successful Gyeongju APEC in history." He added, "This Gyeongju APEC not only set records for the number of bilateral meetings held between participating countries and the number of attendees at the CEO Summit, an economic conference, but also achieved tangible results by successfully producing the 'Gyeongju Declaration' after overcoming many challenges."
Through his Facebook post on the same day, Governor Lee said, "The Korea-U.S. and Korea-China summits enhanced our national interests, and the U.S.-China summit, which drew global attention, also produced meaningful outcomes. In particular, inviting the U.S. and Chinese leaders as state guests and holding the Korea-U.S. and Korea-China summits at the Gyeongju National Museum marked the first-ever state guest summit hosted in a local region, significantly elevating the status of the provinces in a historic moment."
Governor Lee continued, "This event is being recognized as a great success that demonstrated to the world Korea's capability and sophistication in hosting international events with confidence, even outside the capital. I expect that, based on the Gyeongju APEC, local regions will be able to host more international events in the future, contributing greatly to balanced national development." He also highlighted, "By presenting President Trump with a Silla golden crown, and having images of the crown displayed at the Gyeongju National Museum and the banquet hall posted on the official White House website, the event played a major role in promoting the excellence of Korean culture and the Korean Wave globally."
At the Gyeongju National Museum event, President Xi Jinping emphasized the deep historical ties between Silla and the Tang Dynasty, and highlighted Gyeongju's great symbolic significance as a city of history and culture.
Governor Lee stated, "The APEC CEO Summit, chaired by Chey Tae-won, Chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, invited the world's top 500 companies and was meticulously prepared, including arranging two cruise ships at Yeongilman Port to address potential accommodation shortages. As a result, a record 1,700 business leaders participated, and the original two-night, three-day schedule was extended to three nights and four days due to the high level of interest. President Lee Jaemyung, President Trump, BTS leader RM, and Jensen Huang each delivered special keynote speeches, drawing significant international attention."
The Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry estimated the economic ripple effect of the Gyeongju APEC at approximately 7.4 trillion won, and participating companies actually signed investment MOUs worth about 10 billion dollars (approximately 14 trillion won) in Korea.
Governor Lee noted, "Participants consistently praised Gyeongju as a beautiful and hospitable city with many world cultural heritage sites, leaving a strong impression. I expect this will have a positive impact not only on tourism in Gyeongju and Gyeongbuk Province, but also on the entire tourism industry of Korea."
Governor Lee said, "The great success of the Gyeongju APEC is the result of cooperation among former and current governments, lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition parties, the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Gyeongbuk Province, Gyeongju City, and above all, the active participation of Gyeongju and Gyeongbuk residents, as well as the support of Daegu City."
He added, "It is extremely regrettable that Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party, criticized the event and turned it into a political dispute. This event moved the world and contributed to elevating Korea to a top-tier nation, making it a historic achievement. Turning such a national celebration into a political dispute, as many citizens believe, is truly shameful."
Governor Lee earnestly appealed, "I sincerely hope that politicians from both sides will encourage and praise each other for national events that enhance our country's stature, raising the dignity of politics and working together to build a world-class Korea. I ask that all politicians join forces to enhance our national dignity, rather than disparaging or using these achievements as tools for political strife."
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