'Naju Bae Special Zone' Selected as Best Special Zone in 2021 Regional Special Zone Performance Evaluation

Two New Designations: Daegu Global Medical Special Zone and Busan District Seomyeon Footwear Industry Growth Hub Special Zone

2021 Excellent Local Special Zones. [Table=Ministry of SMEs and Startups]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Jong-hwa] The Jeonnam Naju Pear Special Zone has been selected as the best regional special zone. Additionally, the MedCity Daegu Global Medical Special Zone and the Busanjin-gu Seomyeon Footwear Industry Growth Hub Special Zone have been newly designated as regional special zones.

On the 3rd, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups held a written meeting of the Regional Specialized Development Special Zone Committee, evaluated the performance of previously designated regional special zones, and approved a total of six agenda items, including two new designations, two plan changes, and one cancellation.

The Ministry evaluated the operational performance of 195 special zones nationwide last year and selected the 'Naju Pear Special Zone' as the best regional special zone. Nine regional special zones, including the 'Chungbuk Solar Power Special Zone' and the 'Imsil En Cheese & Dairy Special Zone,' were chosen as excellent regional special zones. The selected excellent special zones have achieved visible results in employment and exports through the development of specialized local resources, and will receive a total reward of 800 million KRW.

The 'Jeonnam Naju Pear Special Zone' pioneered the global market for 'Naju Pear' through new product development (such as McDonald's Pear Chiller and Pear Wine) and active exports (direct exports to Vietnam and 11 other countries).

The 'Chungbuk Solar Power Special Zone' expanded related companies and employment by clustering over 145 solar power companies, including the world's number one solar cell and module manufacturer (Hanwha Q CELLS), and establishing an energy complex. The 'Jeonbuk Imsil En Cheese & Dairy Special Zone' increased visitors and experiential customers and enhanced brand awareness through various promotional marketing efforts such as online sales channel development and theme park operation.

The two newly designated special zones plan to create income and jobs within their regions through a total investment of 47.9 billion KRW and the application of 10 regulatory exemptions to foster specialized local resources.

The 'MedCity Daegu Global Medical Special Zone' will invest 15.9 billion KRW to improve the level of medical industry services and establish a foundation for attracting foreign patients, applying five exemptions including the extension of the stay period for overseas professionals (Immigration Control Act). Daegu City plans to create 167.3 billion KRW in regional income and 3,531 jobs through specialized medical projects in cooperation with Jung-gu and Suseong-gu.

The 'Busanjin-gu Seomyeon Footwear Industry Growth Hub Special Zone' will invest 32 billion KRW in the Seomyeon area, the mecca of the domestic footwear industry, and apply five exemptions including the Public Property Act to ensure stable operation of the Korea Footwear Hall (owned by Busan City). Busanjin-gu plans to stimulate regional economic vitality and growth by expanding production and income within the region and creating new jobs (598) through high value-added footwear products and providing spaces for youth employment.

The committee also approved plan changes for two special zones with a total investment plan of 152.9 billion KRW. The 'Gochang Bokbunja Industry Special Zone,' the nation's largest Bokbunja (Korean black raspberry) production area, will add the vinegar industry to the existing Bokbunja industry, activating vinegar processing to create jobs (1,442) and further invigorate the local economy.

The 'Jincheon Charcoal Industry Cluster Special Zone' plans to minimize damage to prime farmland through land use plan changes and strengthen connections between existing facilities to increase income for forestry farmers and revitalize the rural economy. The 'Uljin Lohas Agriculture Special Zone,' which has achieved its purpose and whose local government and residents wish to terminate it, was decided to be canceled.

Gwak Jae-kyung, head of the Regional Special Zone Division at the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, said, "With the designation of new special zones and changes to special zone plans, active investment and new employment in cities, counties, and districts are expected," adding, "We will do our best to support and promote the nine excellent special zones that contributed to revitalizing local economies through regulatory exemptions and active investment."

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