Kim Jong-kwan, South Korea's Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, visited Jeju on July 15 to discuss future growth strategies for the region, focusing on energy transition, space, bio, and information technology (IT).
The minister began his visit with a meeting with Jeju Governor Won Hee-ryong, followed by a field visit to the 5-Polar 3-Special regional growth initiative. This visit marks the sixth in a series following those in Jeonbuk, the southeastern region, Daegu-Gyeongbuk, Changwon, and the central region.
During the meeting, Minister Kim shared updates on the government's 5-Polar 3-Special growth engine strategy and its future plans. Both sides discussed issues and suggestions related to Jeju's specialized industries, agreeing on the need for a tailored industrial development strategy that considers the region's renewable energy potential, clean resources, and living environment.
The discussion also covered the region's growth engines, with Jeju calling for advancements in energy transition, a private space launch data hub, and a leading model for bio artificial intelligence (AX).
Minister Kim stated, "The unbalanced growth strategy centered on the Seoul metropolitan area is facing limitations, and balanced growth is a survival strategy for South Korea. I urge everyone to work together with the central government to actively discover corporate investments and provide necessary support for businesses."
Following this, Minister Kim held a meeting with energy innovation companies at the Jeju Advanced Science and Technology Complex. The discussions focused on challenges related to distributed energy, renewable energy, and energy digital platform services, as well as suggestions for regulatory improvements.
He emphasized, "Jeju is a region rich in potential for the development of energy industries such as renewable energy. We will continue to communicate with companies to create an 'island leading the energy transition for carbon neutrality in South Korea,' as mentioned by the President during the town hall meeting in Jeju last March, and seek policy support measures."
In a meeting with advanced industry companies in space, bio, and IT, Minister Kim discussed the challenges faced by local businesses and ways to revitalize Jeju's advanced industries. He noted, "Jeju has a unique presence with various advanced industry-related companies. We will mobilize all policy tools available from local governments and related agencies to encourage businesses to invest and grow in the region."
As his final schedule, Minister Kim held a 'chicken and beer meeting' with young workers at the Jeju Advanced Science and Technology Complex. During this meeting, opinions were shared regarding the working environment, housing, transportation, and cultural living conditions experienced by Jeju's youth. He remarked, "Local youth are the most valuable driving force in boosting the local economy and shaping the future of regional industries. The Ministry of Industry will actively support young people to work stably in their hometowns and plan their futures without leaving the region."
The Ministry of Industry plans to refine regional industrial policies based on the feedback gathered during Minister Kim's visit to Jeju and his upcoming speech at the Jeju Forum on July 16.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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