National Chamber of Commerce Presidents Seek Breakthrough for Regional Economic Crisis with 'Mega Sandbox'

Chairpersons of chambers of commerce from across the country gathered in one place to explore bold institutional innovation measures to overcome the regional economic crisis.

At the 'National Chambers of Commerce Chairpersons Meeting' held on the 2nd at the Daegu Inter-Burgo Hotel, 56 chairpersons from chambers of commerce nationwide attended, including Choi Tae-won, Chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Hong Joon-pyo, Mayor of Daegu, Yang Jae-saeng, Chairman of the Busan Chamber of Commerce, and Park Yoon-kyung, Chairman of the Daegu Chamber of Commerce.

On this day, the chairpersons emphasized the introduction of the 'Mega Sandbox' as a solution to address the complex crisis in the regional economy. The Mega Sandbox is a new economic revitalization model that selects specialized future strategic industries by metropolitan area, significantly relaxes regulations, and provides integrated support such as education, infrastructure, and incentives.

The chairpersons stated, "The regional economy is facing significant challenges due to complex crises such as low birth rates, aging population, and changes in the global supply chain," adding, "Now is the time for bold institutional innovation that goes beyond existing methods."

Choi Tae-won, Chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry

원본보기 아이콘

During the meeting, the concept of the Mega Sandbox and specific implementation plans were also discussed. Park Hyung-gon, a partner at Deloitte, explained, "The Mega Sandbox aims for innovation across the entire regional economy beyond simple deregulation," adding, "It will create an environment where new technologies and new industrial models can be freely experimented with to build an advanced industrial ecosystem."

Professor Han Dong-seok of Kyungpook National University emphasized, "Daegu is well-equipped with various conditions such as transportation, infrastructure, and local government policies," and added, "To leap forward as a cutting-edge mobility city, a comprehensive improvement of workforce, infrastructure, and systems is necessary."

The chairpersons attending the meeting agreed that a comprehensive approach like the Mega Sandbox would be a breakthrough for the regional economic crisis.

The meeting also decided to establish an External Cooperation Committee and a Global Cooperation Committee to discuss responses to international issues such as changes in the global supply chain. Support measures for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit to be held next year in Gyeongju were also reviewed.

Park Il-jun, Executive Vice Chairman of the KCCI, stated, "As chairpersons representing the regional economy and business community, we must create new opportunities amid the crisis," adding, "We will overcome the economic crisis through innovative models like the Mega Sandbox."

© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.