Gwangju Chamber of Commerce Publishes History Book Documenting Activities Over the Past 85 Years

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Jin-hyung] The Gwangju Chamber of Commerce and Industry announced on the 3rd that it has published the "85-Year History of the Gwangju Chamber of Commerce and Industry," which contains its 85 years of history and activities.

This newly published history book was released to commemorate the 85th anniversary of its founding in 2021, and it can be regarded as a vivid historical record that compiles the growth, activities, and achievements of the Gwangju Chamber of Commerce and Industry over 85 years from 1936 to 2021.

In particular, this "85-Year History of the Gwangju Chamber of Commerce and Industry" holds special significance as it is the first history book in 35 years since the "40-Year History of the Gwangju Chamber of Commerce and Industry" (published in 1976) and "50 Years of Gwangju Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Photos" (published in 1986).

Comprising a total of 773 pages, this book begins with a foreword by Jeong Chang-seon, chairman of the Gwangju Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and includes introductions to the past chairmen of the Gwangju Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the status of the 24th assembly members, the history of the chamber building, and a timeline of events.

The history section is divided into six parts, starting with Part 1, subtitled "The Emergence of the Gwangju Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Its Rise as a Comprehensive Economic Organization," which summarizes the 40-year history of the Gwangju Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Each part covers the historical background, economic issues of the era, the composition and activities of the chairmen and assembly members at the time, key projects and achievements of the chamber, and efforts made for regional development and the promotion of commerce and industry.

Notably, the chapters on the historical background and economic issues of the Gwangju region were written by Park Joon-soo (former CEO of Gwangju Maeil Newspaper) and Kang Deok-gyun (former director of Jeonnam Ilbo).

In his writing afterword, writer Park said, "It was deeply moving to face the sweat and sacrifices and the spirit of challenge of the businesspeople," adding, "Shedding light on and recording the 85 years of footsteps and achievements was a weighty yet rewarding task."

Finally, through a 200-page photo album titled "Gwangju Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Photos," the book faithfully captures the past appearance of Gwangju Metropolitan City, the contemporary issues of the time, the activities of the chairmen and assembly members from the founding in 1936 to the present, and the chamber’s promoted projects.

Therefore, considering that the Gwangju Chamber of Commerce and Industry serves as a central organization for the regional economy, the "85-Year History of the Gwangju Chamber of Commerce and Industry" is expected to be useful for examining the changes and roles of the chamber from 1936 to 2021 and for understanding the current state of the regional economy.

Chairman Jeong Chang-seon stated in his foreword, "We will continue to strive to become a leading regional economic organization that does not rest on its laurels but keeps advancing."

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