The Core Values of Gyeongbuk Province Next Year: 'Livelihood, Change, Leap' … Governor Lee Cheol-woo's Policy Speech

On the 23rd, at the Gyeongbuk Provincial Council plenary session, "We will set the sail of new hope and embark on a bold voyage"

Lee Cheol-woo, Governor of Gyeongbuk Province, delivering a policy speech at the provincial council plenary session on the 23rd.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Park Dong-wook] Lee Cheol-woo, Governor of Gyeongbuk Province, explained the direction of next year’s budget allocation during the provincial council’s policy speech on the 23rd, presenting three core values for provincial administration: livelihood, change, and leap forward.

Governor Lee stated, "The year 2020 was truly a year of great upheaval, but our residents overcame it with the unique spirit of sacrifice characteristic of Gyeongbuk people, quietly holding their positions and supporting each other," emphasizing, "Confirming the Daegu-Gyeongbuk Integrated New Airport project amid these difficulties is a great source of pride for all of us."

He continued, "Although uncertainties and difficulties will persist next year, we will mobilize all administrative capabilities to supply hopeful energy to the 'livelihood' field and revive the regional economy in crisis," while explaining the budget plan. Gyeongbuk Province’s initial budget for next year is approximately 10.6548 trillion KRW (9.332 trillion KRW in the general account and 1.3228 trillion KRW in the special account).

Focusing Provincial Efforts on Reviving the Livelihood Economy

In 2021, Gyeongbuk Province plans to prioritize support for small and medium-sized enterprises and small business owners struggling due to COVID-19, as well as focus on creating youth jobs and stabilizing employment.

To support small business owners and self-employed individuals lacking collateral, 40 billion KRW will be established as basic assets for the Korea Credit Guarantee Fund, and in line with the untact (contactless) era, active support for companies’ online sales will be provided. In particular, the 'Youth Love Dream Allowance' will be introduced for the first time to assist about 4,000 unemployed youths by providing interview allowances, employment success allowances, and retention allowances to help their job search.

Centered around the newly established 'Infectious Disease Management Division' this year, efforts will be made to build a proactive infectious disease response system, including installing dedicated respiratory clinics in regional hospitals and supporting mobile negative pressure equipment in elderly welfare facilities.

Additionally, considering the shortage of in vitro fertilization clinics in the northern region of Gyeongbuk causing difficulties for infertile couples, a fertility center will be built and operated at Andong Medical Center. From next year, free school meals will be expanded to all grades to create a foundation where children can nurture their dreams and grow.

Responding to the 4th Industrial Revolution, Leading Changes in Industry, Culture, and Agriculture

Strategies to solidify the foundation for new growth industries leading Gyeongbuk’s future are expected to become more concrete.

Governor Lee emphasized, "What is most important now is laying the foundation for new growth industries in the era of the 4th Industrial Revolution," and added, "Through the Gyeongbuk Industrial Complex Renovation Project and Smart Industrial Complex Project, we will upgrade aging industrial complexes in the region and continuously expand the spread of smart factories."

In the cultural sector, in line with the enforcement of the 'Silla Capital Special Act Enforcement Decree,' the scope of the Silla Capital restoration project will be expanded to create a living history classroom of Korea, and the restoration project of Imcheonggak will be concretized early to actively support the establishment of national identity.

Governor Lee diagnosed, "Experiencing COVID-19 has increased the importance of agriculture and food security," promising, "We will put more effort into establishing smart farms through advanced ICT technology convergence, building a smart edible insect production system, and establishing a livestock manure energy base."

Furthermore, alongside the successful promotion of the Neighbor Village pilot project, a representative model of population inflow policy, plans will be actively made to counteract local extinction by creating a Gyeongbuk-style Klein Garten (small garden) pilot project to attract urban residents to return to farming and rural areas.

New Town Development + New Airport + Integration ... Moving Toward the World and the Future

A development blueprint for future leap forward will also be visualized early.

To ensure the stable settlement of the provincial government new town and balanced regional development, eight connecting roads around the area will be expanded early, and the relocation of public institutions such as the Talent Development Institute, Agricultural Technology Center, and Agricultural Resources Management Institute will be accelerated.

Regarding the Daegu-Gyeongbuk Integrated New Airport, Governor Lee said, "The new airport itself is the future of Daegu and Gyeongbuk," mentioning related projects and stressing, "We will prepare without fail for the relocation of the Eastern Government Complex, which will serve as the headquarters for the development of the East Coast region in the 21st-century maritime era."

Next year, the Gyeongbuk-style New Deal policy will also be fully launched. Utilizing Gyeongbuk’s excellent digital infrastructure, the province aims to secure the digital industry market including 5G and AI, and strengthen the integration of AI and big data in various fields to actively foster untact industries such as smart livestock ICT pilot complexes, cultural heritage platforms, and non-face-to-face tourism marketing content.

Governor Lee lastly mentioned the administrative integration of Daegu and Gyeongbuk.

He said, "In administrative integration, the will of the city and provincial residents is most important, so we will carefully listen to their precious opinions and strengthen communication with the council," emphasizing, "Although we face an unprecedented critical crisis, we will raise the sails of new hope through continuous change and innovation and embark on a bold voyage together with the residents."

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