Song Hyung-gon, the chair of the Jeonnam Gwangju Special City Council, emphasized the need to develop the fisheries sector into a future growth industry that integrates production, processing, distribution, and export.
According to the Jeonnam Gwangju Special City Council, Song made these remarks during the 12th Jeonnam Gwangju Special City Fisheries Management Conference held at the Yeonggwang Sportium National Sports Center on August 25. He highlighted the growth potential of the local fisheries industry and the necessity to enhance its competitiveness.
Song particularly stressed the importance of recognizing the industrial value of fisheries amid discussions focused on advanced industries like AI and semiconductors.
He stated, “The site of industry is not limited to places with factory chimneys,” and assessed Jeonnam Gwangju as a key hub for fisheries that not only supports the dining tables of South Korea but also connects to global markets.
He further proposed that the fisheries sector should evolve into a converged industry that links production with processing, distribution, and export.
Song remarked, “The sea itself is an industrial complex,” emphasizing the importance of organically combining resources, technology, capital, and human resources to enhance the competitiveness of the fisheries industry.
The conference, themed “The Sea of Jeonnam Gwangju, Creating a Sustainable Future Together,” is taking place from August 25 to 26 in Yeonggwang, with over 3,000 participants, including fisheries managers from 15 cities and counties and marine and fisheries officials, seeking to explore the development direction of the local fisheries industry.
The opening ceremony on August 25 was attended by Min Hyung-bae, the mayor of Jeonnam Gwangju Special City, council members, and heads of marine and fisheries-related organizations, featuring awards for outstanding individuals, scholarship presentations for talent development, and the reading of a resolution.
Chair Song expressed hope that this event would serve as an opportunity to read the rapidly changing market trends together and find a path for greater advancement, while also thanking fisheries managers for their roles and efforts.
Meanwhile, the Korean Fisheries Management Association of Jeonnam Gwangju Special City was established in 1991 and currently has 15 branches with over 12,000 members actively participating.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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