President Moon: "Our government has been with you until the Gunsan Shipyard resumed operations"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] President Moon Jae-in attended the agreement ceremony for the resumption of operations at Hyundai Heavy Industries Gunsan Shipyard, emphasizing that "our government was involved in the process leading to the resumption of the Gunsan Shipyard" and highlighting the government's efforts in revitalizing the shipyard as well as the Gunsan economy.

On the 24th, President Moon visited Hyundai Heavy Industries Gunsan Shipyard and attended the agreement ceremony for the shipyard's resumption, stating, "I am very pleased to see the spring news of Gunsan before my term ends."

The Gunsan Shipyard had ceased operations in July 2017 due to the downturn in the shipbuilding industry, but after continuous dialogue and efforts among companies, the government, and local governments, it was agreed to resume operations starting January 2023.

President Moon emphasized the government's significant efforts in restarting the shipyard. He said, "The government saved Korea's shipbuilding and shipping industries through a win-win strategy linking shipbuilding and shipping. Jeonbuk Province, Gunsan City, Hyundai Heavy Industries, and the National Assembly held numerous consultations for the resumption of the Gunsan Shipyard. These efforts have culminated today in the agreement ceremony for the resumption of operations at Hyundai Heavy Industries Gunsan Shipyard."

He also promised support for the normalization of the Gunsan Shipyard. President Moon stated, "The government will provide maximum support for the normalization of the Gunsan Shipyard," adding, "We will extend the designation of the Special Industrial Crisis Response Area, which expires in April, to support the recovery of the local economy and shipbuilding industry in Gunsan until the shipyard resumes operations."

Additionally, he mentioned the government's efforts to revitalize the local economy. President Moon said, "Since the suspension of operations at the Gunsan Shipyard, the government has made many efforts to revive the Gunsan economy," explaining, "Gunsan was designated as a Special Industrial Crisis Response Area and an Employment Crisis Area to expand financial support for shipbuilding subcontractors and small business owners, and efforts were made to maintain skilled labor through employment retention subsidies and reemployment of retirees."

He added, "In connection with Saemangeum, infrastructure such as roads and ports has been expanded, and new industries like offshore solar power, offshore wind power, and tourism have been fostered to supplement the regional economic foundation."

President Moon projected that the resumption of operations at the Gunsan Shipyard would revive the local economy and strengthen industrial competitiveness. He stated, "The resumption of the Gunsan Shipyard will revitalize the Jeonbuk region and Gunsan economy," adding, "Once fully operational, it is expected to generate a production inducement effect of over 2 trillion won."

He continued, "With additional construction space secured through the operation of the Gunsan Shipyard, the competitiveness of our shipbuilding industry in securing orders will be further enhanced," emphasizing, "Especially, great achievements are expected in eco-friendly ships. If the Gunsan Shipyard operates stably, Gunsan will firmly establish itself as a leading region for Korea's future industries."

Meanwhile, President Moon's visit came about two weeks before the presidential election, amid opposition parties emphasizing the 'Honam neglect theory' and courting votes in the Honam region. Yoon Seok-youl, the People Power Party candidate, visited Gunsan on the 22nd and the birthplace of the late President Kim Dae-jung on the 23rd to appeal to Honam voters. A Blue House official explained, "President Moon has repeatedly said he is a 'government without a last year,' and this visit reflects his commitment to continue focusing on quarantine and the people's livelihood economy until the very end."

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