Haenam-gun's Maximum Efforts to Revitalize the Local Economy with 'COVID-19 Overcome Possible'

Myeong Hyun-gwan, Haenam County Governor, Inspects Key Industrial Sites Including Flower Farms
Operates Comprehensive Countermeasure Situation Room, Prepares Sector-Specific Revitalization Plans

(On the right) County Governor Myeong Hyun-gwan visited a flower farm to listen to suggestions and conduct an on-site inspection. (Photo by Haenam County)

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Seo Young-seo] Haenam County announced on the 15th that County Governor Myeong Hyeon-gwan visited major local industrial sites struggling due to the impact of COVID-19, conducted on-site inspections, and listened to residents' suggestions.

Governor Myeong first visited Useul National Sports Center, a winter training camp location, to check the quarantine situation and training status, and instructed thorough disinfection of the stadium and personal hygiene management so that athletes can train with peace of mind.

Haenam, known as the mecca of winter training camps, welcomed about 3,000 athletes nationwide during this winter season, and currently, 22 teams with about 500 members are staying and training.

The county planned to attract about 50,000 visitors this year through sports marketing, but due to the spread of COVID-19, the national business Kendo competition was postponed, and 15 teams with 219 members canceled or withdrew early from training, putting the achievement of goals at risk.

Additionally, with various mass events and graduation ceremonies canceled, difficulties for flower farmers have increased. Governor Myeong held a meeting with residents at a flower farm in Daesan-ri, Okcheon-myeon, to listen to their opinions.

In Haenam, 13 farms cultivate crops such as Alstroemeria and Stock on 5.95 hectares, and due to sluggish flower consumption, prices have dropped by about 50% compared to the previous year.

Accordingly, since last week, the county, related organizations, and groups have been promoting flower consumption campaigns such as the "1 Table 1 Flower" movement for offices and homes, and giving flowers as gifts on staff birthdays and other anniversaries.

Haenam County designates and operates "Local Economy Revitalization Days" twice a week, encouraging public officials to take the lead in revitalizing the local economy. On these days, officials actively participate in promoting the use of local businesses by having lunch at local restaurants or shopping at traditional markets.

On the 15th, Governor Myeong also visited a restaurant in the Well-being Food Village near Daeheungsa Temple, had lunch together, and discussed tourism revitalization and measures to promote the use of local stores with residents.

Governor Myeong stated, "Although COVID-19 is a powerful infectious disease, it has been confirmed that it can be overcome. However, if the period prolongs, it is expected to cause significant damage to the local economy, so we will concentrate all available resources to minimize the damage and make every effort."

Meanwhile, Haenam County operates a "Comprehensive Local Economy Countermeasure Situation Room" to monitor the local economic situation caused by COVID-19 and identify damages and difficulties by sector.

For small and medium-sized enterprises and small business owners experiencing management difficulties due to a sales decrease of more than 10% compared to the same period last year, support will be provided using 50 billion KRW from Jeollanam-do's emergency management stabilization funds.

Haenam County will also provide emergency support within limits using its own budget, including 108 million KRW for interest subsidies for small business owners and 1.2 billion KRW for special guarantees.

They will also operate a reporting center for false, exaggerated, and illegal transactions related to COVID-19 prevention items such as masks and hand sanitizers, and conduct price surveys through price monitoring personnel to stabilize prices.

They plan to strongly promote rapid execution of projects with significant private economic ripple effects, such as consumer investment projects and stabilization of low-income households, in the first half of the year. Each department under the county office will establish its own plans to support the local economy intensively, including local tax deferrals, pork consumption promotion, and flower purchasing campaigns.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.