Gyeongnam Governor Park Wansu: "We Will Continue Changes That Residents Can Feel"

The Park Wan-su administration of Gyeongnam Province, which prioritized economic recovery and job creation as the top tasks for the re-advancement of Gyeongnam’s economy?second only to the Seoul metropolitan area?marked its first anniversary in the 8th term of local government.

On the 3rd, Governor Park Wan-su said at a commemorative press briefing, “Many things have changed, including Gyeongnam’s economy and industry, the central government’s perspective on Gyeongnam Province, and the atmosphere among public officials within the provincial government.”

He revealed that the trade balance, which turned positive last October and has been maintained for eight consecutive months, recorded a surplus of $1.299 billion in Gyeongnam as of May this year, compared to the nationwide trade deficit.

He also cited the highest employment rate in 19 years, the lowest unemployment rate, an increase in the manufacturing production index, and a moderation in the consumer price inflation rate.

Park Wan-su, Governor of Gyeongnam Province, is answering reporters' questions.
[Photo by Lee Se-ryeong]

Governor Park stated, “The stagnant shipbuilding, nuclear power, defense, and aerospace industries are revitalizing, and small and medium-sized enterprises are regaining vitality. We will continue to work steadily to ensure changes that residents can feel.”

Gyeongnam Province listed major achievements including securing the budget for the establishment of the Defense Parts Research Institute, improving regulations in development-restricted zones and reflecting the Southern Coast Tourism Belt project in the national plan, confirming the establishment of the Aerospace Administration in Sacheon, newly designating the Changwon Defense and Nuclear Convergence National Industrial Complex, achieving the largest-ever investment attraction of 6.5 trillion won, and creating three core startup hubs by region.

Other accomplishments include reducing toll fees during commuting hours on the Machang Bridge for the first time in 11 years, the visible start of construction for the Southern Inland Railway in 2024, establishing a disaster safety and emergency medical control tower, ranking third nationwide in comprehensive integrity, securing the largest-ever national budget of 8.7157 trillion won, and receiving 56 awards in government sector evaluations.

Following this, six major fields and 30 projects that will make 2023 the era of Gyeongnam were announced.

These are: ▲Manufacturing Up! Again for industrial power advancement ▲Rapidly Connected Gyeongnam ▲Gyeongnam as the center of Asian tourism ▲Gyeongnam attracting talent ▲Gyeongnam created by youth ▲and Resident Happiness 2.0.

The 30 projects include the opening of the Aerospace Administration and leading Gyeongnam’s leap to the Aerospace G-7, fostering next-generation core industries by 2030 such as export-type reactors, achieving 100 trillion won in investment attraction by 2030, establishing a Gyeongnam-style grid transportation network and logistics network linked with Tri-Port, developing historical and cultural tourism resources, operating marine leisure tourism products, nurturing high value-added complex exhibition industries (MICE), innovating local universities, training research personnel and attracting specialized educational institutions, creating the Gyeongnam Content Industry Town, training 10,000 young workers, and realizing tangible welfare in daily life.

Through these efforts, the province plans to achieve by 2030: ▲a real Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) of 130 trillion won ▲securing one-hour mobility within the province ▲surpassing 60 million annual tourists ▲training 100,000 global innovative talents ▲turning youth population into net inflow ▲and maintaining the top ranking in personal life satisfaction.

Entering the second year of the 8th term, the province intends to establish new growth engines and foundations for future generations to actively realize a vibrant Gyeongnam and happy residents.

Governor Park said, “Thanks to the advice and criticism received over the past year, I was able to lead the provincial government without major difficulties. I will continue to listen to the voices of residents and look closely everywhere to work for them.”

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