Kang Gijeong: "Gwangju-Jeonnam Win-Win No.1, Creating a 3 Million Pyeong Semiconductor Specialized Complex"

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Jin-hyung] Kang Ki-jung, the Democratic Party candidate for mayor of Gwangju, proposed on the 28th to "establish a 3 million pyeong semiconductor specialized complex as the first Gwangju-Jeonnam win-win balanced development policy."

On the day, candidate Kang held a media day and stated, "The regional development policy for opportunity development zones announced by the Presidential Transition Committee the day before is very positive as it is in line with the balanced development policies of the Roh Moo-hyun and Moon Jae-in administrations."

Candidate Kang noted that the Yoon Suk-yeol administration regards semiconductors as the core of future competitiveness, and that the regional development policy announced by the Presidential Transition Committee has shifted to being 'industry-centered and region-led.'

He said now is a golden opportunity to secure the region's future food source through Gwangju-Jeonnam cooperation.

Kang emphasized, "The creation of a semiconductor specialized complex was a pledge announced during the primary by both myself and preliminary candidate Lee Yong-seop, and the Gwangju City TF for responding to the Transition Committee has also done a good job. Taking advantage of the site, as well as the availability of good water and stable energy supply through good electricity, let's swiftly attract the first Gwangju-Jeonnam win-win semiconductor specialized complex."

He continued, "Although memory semiconductors hold more than 70% of the global market share, the share of non-memory semiconductors is significantly low. Like the Moon Jae-in administration, the Yoon Suk-yeol administration also has the will, and under the Special Act on Strengthening and Protecting National Advanced Strategic Industry Competitiveness, the government can play a leading role through early investment."

Candidate Kang predicted that the establishment of the semiconductor specialized complex would enable not only job creation but also the co-growth of local companies and talent development.

Kang said, "If we create a 3 million pyeong semiconductor production and research complex, more than 10,000 jobs will be created. Additionally, the growth of semiconductor-related local companies and the establishment of contract departments linked with local universities will enable the nurturing of up to 5,000 talents."

Furthermore, Kang proposed a "May Policy Grand Debate" for mayoral candidates in Gwangju to foster a new election culture and verify pledges.

Kang stated, "I will actively participate in debates with the mindset of verifying our policies, listening to citizens' voices, and learning about competing candidates' policies. Mayoral candidates and experts should create an unprecedented policy election through discussions free from formal constraints."

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