Yeosu Solidarity Conference Urges Change and Reform of Yeosu Chamber of Commerce and Industry

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Hyung-kwon] Recently, several media outlets have raised concerns about the operation of the Yeosu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, prompting the Yeosu Civic Society Solidarity Council (hereinafter Yeosu Solidarity Council) to express deep concern and issue a statement.

The Yeosu Solidarity Council pointed out that during the construction of the Yeosu Chamber of Commerce and Industry building, local companies were excluded, and the construction was unilaterally entrusted to out-of-area architectural, equipment, and landscaping companies related to the golf course operated by the Chamber president. They also noted that the expenditure of over a hundred million won on wine purchased with Chamber funds at the president-owned golf course could constitute a violation of the conflict of interest prohibition clause.

In November, the Yeosu Solidarity Council stated that the Yeosu Chamber of Commerce and Industry's request to relax the total air pollution regulation for large corporations in the Yeosu Industrial Complex is concerning, as it reflects a pro-corporate stance that undermines the enforcement of total air pollution regulations, despite the unresolved issue of falsified air pollutant emission data for over two years. This is seen as a problematic aspect of the Chamber's operation, which is biased toward large corporations.

Furthermore, they clearly expressed concerns about the corporate shareholder decision-making system, where 17 large corporations in the Yeosu Industrial Complex, which pay significant membership fees, hold more than 80% of the voting rights for the Chamber president election.

Accordingly, they argued that the Chamber should transform into a legally recognized economic organization that guarantees the participation of healthy distribution and commercial organizations in Yeosu, as well as local small and medium-sized enterprises, and fairly reflects local opinions through democratic decision-making with public interest.

The Yeosu Solidarity Council presented opinions for changes and reforms to strengthen the identity of the Yeosu Chamber of Commerce and Industry as a comprehensive economic organization representing Yeosu’s business community.

▶ To resolve suspicions arising from media reports regarding internal accounting operations, the Yeosu Chamber of Commerce and Industry should conduct an accounting audit by an external auditor in accordance with its bylaws for the accounting handled during the current president’s tenure. ▶ Improve the decision-making rights overly concentrated in large corporations and revise the president’s reappointment regulations, establishing democratic organizational management methods. ▶ Demand a Chamber of Commerce and Industry that promotes the interests of local small and medium-sized enterprises, distribution and commercial businesses struggling due to COVID-19, and works together with citizens for the region’s mutual development.

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