People Power Party Taking Care of Regions... Budget Policy Council Meeting for Bu-Ul-Gyeong Held

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] On the 5th, the People Power Party held a budget policy meeting for Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam to focus on regional matters. The budget policy meeting, held in the main conference room of Busan City Hall in the afternoon, was attended by Floor Leader Joo Ho-young, Policy Committee Chairman Lee Jong-bae, Budget Committee Subcommittee Secretary Cho Hae-jin, Floor Spokesperson Choi Hyung-doo, Busan City Party Chairman Ha Tae-kyung, Ulsan City Party Chairman Seo Beom-su, and Gyeongnam Provincial Party Chairman Yoon Han-hong.

Floor Leader Joo said, "The People Power Party has created a meeting body called the Livelihood Policy Discovery Group to negotiate budgets with local governments nationwide," adding, "Starting this week, the government budget review will be in full swing, and we intend to examine what budget proposals we can assist with and whether there are items in the government budget that need to be increased."

Byun Sung-wan, Acting Mayor of Busan, said, "This year, the city's finances have been strained due to COVID-19 quarantine responses and the burden of emergency disaster relief funds. In these difficult times, securing national funds is the most important," adding, "The government’s proposal alone is still insufficient. We ask for interest and support for Busan’s budget." Acting Mayor Byun urged for prompt follow-up measures related to Gadeok New Airport, relocation of the U.S. military’s 55th Supply Depot to resolve the site issue for the 2030 World Expo, and exemption from preliminary feasibility studies for the public medical facility, West Busan Medical Center.

Song Cheol-ho, Mayor of Ulsan, identified projects requiring budget increases at the National Assembly level, including the establishment of a hydrogen electric vehicle safety certification center, introduction of high-performance multipurpose fireboats, construction of the National Future Digital Science Museum, integrated pipe rack construction in the Ulsan petrochemical complex, and establishment of a smart healthcare research center specialized in industrial accidents. He also presented regional issues such as the rapid promotion of the Nakdong River integrated water management project, a floating offshore wind Pacific Rim hub complex, and early construction of the Ulsan metropolitan railway.

Kim Kyung-soo, Governor of Gyeongnam, emphasized the establishment of the 'Southeast Mega City,' centered on Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam, as a regional balanced development model. Governor Kim explained the need to expand the Southeast metropolitan railway network and build a logistics industry platform linking ports, airports, and railways. Gyeongnam Province requested continuous interest and generous support for major local projects such as designation of the Changwon National Industrial Complex as a specialized complex, support for the aviation manufacturing industry, and extension of special employment support for the shipbuilding industry.

Meanwhile, Policy Committee Chairman Lee and Secretary Cho Hae-jin promised to actively support the Gadeok New Airport if it is decided upon following the re-verification of Gimhae New Airport on that day.

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