Holding of the Gwangyang Bay Area Free Economic Zone Association Meeting

Deliberation and Resolution of the 2021 Administrative Audit Plan and the 2nd Supplementary Budget Proposal

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seon-sik] The Gwangyang Bay Area Free Economic Zone Association Council (Chairman Oh Ha-geun, Jeonnam Provincial Assembly member from Suncheon) announced on the 26th that it held the 123rd Association Council extraordinary meeting at the Gwangyang Bay Area Free Economic Zone Authority on the 26th.

At the extraordinary meeting, the '2021 Administrative Audit Plan' and the 2nd supplementary budget proposal, scheduled to be held for three days from October 26 to 28, were reviewed and approved. The total scale of the 2nd supplementary budget proposal was about 112.3 billion KRW, an increase of about 66.9 billion KRW compared to the 1st supplementary budget. Among these, the general account was increased by about 5.2 billion KRW to about 28.8 billion KRW, and the special account was increased by about 61.7 billion KRW to about 83.5 billion KRW.

Looking at the increase details by major projects, the general account includes 4.56 billion KRW for the Sewoong Industrial Complex public wastewater treatment facility project and 20 million KRW for the overseas investment attraction briefing event operation expenses. The special account includes 50 million KRW for the modernization project service fee of the Yulchon 1st Industrial Complex water supply and drainage station and 60 million KRW for the new water supply construction cost of the Yulchon water purification plant.

Chairman Oh Ha-geun proposed the formation of a consultative body with residents as a measure to alleviate the concerns of Haeryong residents near the Sewoong Industrial Complex about air pollution. He also urged the Gwangyang Free Economic Zone Authority to play an active role in attracting medical institutions to the Shindae District, which is expected to create local employment and improve medical welfare, emphasizing that it is time to listen to the voices of local residents.

Vice Chairman Lee Jeong-hoon (Gyeongnam Provincial Assembly member from Hadong) pointed out the return of the remaining balance of the provincial government’s burden in the supplementary budget and requested efforts to ensure efficient budget execution.

Committee member Kim Tae-gyun (Jeonnam Provincial Assembly member from Gwangyang) reiterated the need for an organization that can encompass the main industries of the Gwangyang Bay Area?steel, chemical, and port?when reorganizing the Gwangyang Free Economic Zone Authority in the future, and mentioned the need to refrain from the indiscriminate development of 'residential complexes' amid the population stagnation crisis.

Committee member Lee Kwang-il (Jeonnam Provincial Assembly member from Yeosu) urged the prompt preparation of measures that nearby residents can accept regarding the design of the Gyeongdo land bridge access road, which differs from the original basic plan, and requested strengthened communication with residents.

Director Song Sang-rak said in his greeting, “Although difficulties across industries are increasing due to the resurgence of COVID-19, we will spare no support to actively communicate with companies wishing to invest in the Gwangyang Bay Area and support their growth.”

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