Jaeho Choi, Gyeongnam Chamber Chairman: "Tax Reform Needed for Non-Capital Region Companies"

Jaeho Choi, Chairman of the Gyeongsangnam-do Chamber of Commerce Council, shared his aspirations for the year at the 2026 Gyeongnam Province New Year's Meeting held on January 5 at the Changwon Convention Center (CECO) Convention Hall.

Chairman Choi reflected, "The past year, 2025, was more challenging than ever both domestically and internationally. However, despite rapidly changing tariff policies and various domestic market structures, our Gyeongnam remained steadfast."

He continued, "The defense and shipbuilding industries sounded the triumphant horn of revival thanks to their overwhelming competitiveness. The aerospace and robotics industries are growing as new engines for the region, while the machinery, automotive, and steel industries have quietly achieved solid results. All these accomplishments are the fruits of our local entrepreneurs and workers, made possible by the encouragement and support of the governor and stakeholders from all walks of life," he expressed his gratitude.

Jaeho Choi, Chairman of the Gyeongsangnam-do Chamber of Commerce Council, is delivering a New Year's address at the 2026 Gyeongnam Province New Year's Meeting. Photo by Seryung Lee

He went on to say, "A company should not operate in isolation; it must be grounded in a strong local community, which is the foundation upon which both businesses and residents can thrive. As businesspeople, we will practice a leadership of sharing that goes beyond simply creating economic value to fulfilling the social responsibilities of enterprises."

He also pledged, "We will embrace the underprivileged in our community, build a mutually beneficial ecosystem with small business owners, and make social contribution a core value of our management. The Chamber of Commerce will take the lead in making Gyeongnam a place where businesses and residents can smile together."

At the event, Chairman Choi emphasized, "For companies to coexist with the local community and contribute to society, we must create a business-friendly environment," highlighting the need for 'tax reform for non-capital regions.'

He stated, "Tax reform for non-capital regions is an urgent national mission for balanced regional development that can no longer be delayed. Bold tax benefits and institutional innovation for non-capital region companies must be implemented."

Chairman Choi further remarked, "The current structure, where companies in the capital and non-capital regions compete on an uneven playing field, is a waste of national resources and fundamentally unfair. This is not a selfish demand for benefits for a particular region, but a survival issue to prevent the decline of the entire Republic of Korea and ensure sustainable growth. I will continue to raise my voice to persuade the government and the National Assembly to see this mission through to completion."

He concluded, "The new year has dawned with the spirit of a red horse galloping powerfully across the land. I hope that the vibrant energy and unstoppable momentum symbolized by the horse's dynamic leap will infuse our Gyeongnam economy, making this a year in which we once again advance toward the world."