"Leading the Construction Industry to Overcome the Economic Crisis... Safe Sites as a Competitive Advantage"

'2023 Construction Industry New Year's Meeting' Held

[Asia Economy Reporter Noh Kyung-jo] On the afternoon of the 18th, construction industry professionals gathered at the Construction Hall in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul for the "2023 Construction Industry New Year's Meeting," pledging that "the construction industry will take the lead in overcoming the economic crisis."

The event was attended by Kim Min-ki, Chairman of the National Assembly Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee, along with ruling and opposition lawmakers, and Lee Won-jae, 1st Vice Minister of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Won Hee-ryong were unable to attend as they accompanied the President on an overseas trip. Also present were Kim Sang-soo, President of the Korea Construction Association, construction organization heads, Chung Won-joo, Vice Chairman of the Joongheung Group, Oh Se-chul, President of Samsung C&T Corporation, and Woo Moo-hyun, President of GS Engineering & Construction. However, the event was held somewhat modestly compared to previous years.

Kim Min-ki, Chairman of the National Assembly Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee, is delivering a congratulatory speech at the '2023 Construction Industry New Year's Meeting' held on the 18th at the Construction Hall in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. / Photo by Noh Kyung-jo

Kim Sang-soo, President of the Association, stated, "Despite domestic and international challenges such as soaring raw material prices, labor shortages, and economic downturns, the construction industry has played an important role in both domestic demand and exports," emphasizing, "In the new year, let us not only be the main actors in overcoming the economic crisis but also take a leading role in enhancing public safety and convenience."

Kim Min-ki, Chairman of the Land Committee, who delivered a congratulatory speech, said, "I am well aware that construction professionals are fighting hard to overcome the crisis," adding, "I hope this year will be one of overcoming the crisis through technological innovation and reform and achieving further development."

He also mentioned the importance of safety management. Chairman Kim said, "Everyone must now recognize that safe construction sites have become a crucial competitive advantage," and added, "The National Assembly will also strive to ensure that systems and policies benefit both the public and construction professionals."

Representing the government, Vice Minister Lee Won-jae said, "I believe the construction industry will face a difficult year due to rising raw material prices and challenges in real estate project financing (PF)," but also conveyed, "Despite these crises, construction orders exceeding the record high of 2021 are expected."

He further explained that the government will pursue ▲ establishing a stable housing supply foundation through normalization of real estate market regulations ▲ continuous expansion of transportation infrastructure such as railroads, roads, and aviation ▲ advancing to become one of the world's top four countries in overseas construction orders ▲ and effective measures based on law and principles.

Vice Minister Lee urged, "The government wants to lead a new leap forward together with construction professionals," and requested, "Please join us in creating growth momentum."

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