Gwangju City Expands Public-Private Joint Task Force for Kumho Tire Fire Response

Four Divisions Including Partner Companies and Residents Hold Second Meeting
Designation as Employment Crisis Area and Measures to Prevent Environmental Damage Discussed

Gwangju City held the 2nd meeting of the 'Public-Private Joint Special Task Force (TF)' on the 20th, chaired by Vice Mayor Kwangwan Ko, to develop response measures for the fire damage at Kumho Tire's Gwangju factory. Photo by Gwangju City

On June 20, Gwangju City held the second meeting of the 'Public-Private Joint Special Task Force (TF)' to minimize the economic shock to the local economy caused by the fire at Kumho Tire's Gwangju factory and to develop effective response measures.

This meeting was characterized by an expanded participation of various stakeholders, including labor unions, partner companies, and affected residents, by supplementing and strengthening the existing operation method of the special task force. The participants conducted a thorough analysis of both direct and indirect damages caused by the fire and discussed the establishment of practical countermeasures.

Previously, at the first meeting held on May 30, the city decided to hold regular meetings twice a month and has since focused on developing support measures that citizens can feel and strengthening cooperation systems with relevant agencies.

The meeting on June 20 was chaired by Vice Mayor Kwangwan Ko and attended by various organizations and groups, including relevant city departments, the city council, Gwangsan-gu, Kumho Tire, economic organizations, environmental experts, and resident representatives.

During the meeting, participants reviewed the progress of items discussed at the first meeting and, by division, discussed support for local taxes for partner companies, support for partner company workers, application for designation as an employment crisis area, and measures to prevent secondary environmental damage.

In addition, various opinions were presented, including support measures for small business owners and partner companies, shortening administrative procedures for factory restoration, protection of partner company workers' rights, disclosure of analysis results on heavy metals and other substances, and blocking the inflow of pollutants into rivers during the rainy season.

The Public-Private Joint Special Task Force is composed of four divisions: the Economic Division, the Employment Division, the Environment and Health Division, and the Resident Support Division. Each division is conducting working-level discussions to establish a comprehensive response plan.

Vice Mayor Kwangwan Ko stated, "We will regularize the meetings of the Public-Private Joint Special Task Force to closely monitor the situation and prepare practical support measures that citizens can truly feel," adding, "We will further strengthen cooperation with relevant agencies and make every effort to help the local economy recover."

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