Seeking Win-Win Development Between Gangwon Border Areas and the Military
Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province and the Ministry of National Defense held the "12th Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province Border Area Win-Win Development Council" on the 23rd at the large conference room on the 2nd floor of the new building of the Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province Office.
Gangwon Province and the Ministry of National Defense held the "12th Gangwon Province Border Area Win-Win Development Council" on the 23rd at the large conference room on the 2nd floor of the new building of the Gangwon Provincial Government. Provided by Gangwon Province
The council was co-chaired by the Director-General for Planning and Coordination of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province and the Director-General for Military Facility Planning of the Ministry of National Defense. Deputy heads of the five border area counties, officials from the Ministry of National Defense, and others also attended to discuss solutions to key military-related issues in the border region.
The Win-Win Development Council is a regular consultative body involving Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, the Ministry of National Defense, and the five border counties, and has been operating since 2020. At this 12th meeting, agenda items proposed by the Ministry of National Defense, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, and Cheorwon County were shared, and in-depth discussions were held on possible improvements.
The main agenda items discussed were: support for advancing the Civilian Control Line northward; cooperation in promoting the military-friendly business initiative; short-term use of idle military land; resumption of the land exchange project between the Ministry of National Defense and Cheorwon County; and management of civilian access to Civilian Control Posts by local governments-a total of five items.
Additionally, the Ministry of National Defense presented its plan to introduce an internet-based unified access management system using a mobile app on personal smartphones to improve access procedures for the Civilian Control Line. The council discussed how this would enhance convenience for users and ensure the safety of those accessing the area.
Lee Heeyeol, Director-General for Planning and Coordination of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province and co-chair of the Win-Win Development Council, stated, "The border region is facing difficulties due to prolonged economic stagnation from military unit restructuring and continuous population decline. However, the easing of military regulations following the implementation of special provisions under the Gangwon Special Act could mark a significant turning point for the development of the border area. As mutual cooperation among the province, border counties, and the Ministry of National Defense-who share key issues such as advancing the Civilian Control Line northward-is more important than ever, we will continue to actively collaborate with the Ministry of National Defense going forward."
Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province and the Ministry of National Defense plan to continue sharing regional issues through regular Win-Win Development Council meetings and actively seek cooperative measures to ensure the military and local communities can prosper together.
Furthermore, for the agenda items discussed at this meeting, the relevant agencies will continue working-level consultations to concretize follow-up actions.
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