Gyeonggi Province announced on October 1 that it has applied for Paju as a candidate for the first "Peace Economy Special Zone" promoted by the government.

On September 30, Gyeonggi Province submitted a development plan to the Ministry of Unification and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport requesting the designation of a 6.9-square-kilometer area in Paju-eup, Munsan-eup, and Wollong-myeon, Paju, as a peace economy special zone.

The Peace Economy Special Zone is a national special zone aimed at promoting development projects in areas such as industry, tourism, and logistics in border regions, and laying the foundation for future inter-Korean economic exchanges.

The Ministry of Unification plans to designate around four special zones nationwide in accordance with the first basic plan for peace economy special zones.

The plan submitted by the province includes developing the Paju Peace Economy Special Zone into a total of five districts, consisting of two industrial districts, a complex district, a culture and tourism district, and an inter-Korean logistics district.

It also includes fostering six strategic industries, including artificial intelligence (AI), advanced manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and smart logistics, and developing 1.4 square kilometers, or about 20 percent of the total area, as peace land.

The total project cost is estimated at 2 trillion won.

Gyeonggi Province explained that it has confirmed the intent of 210 companies to move in so far.

The province is also carrying out preliminary administrative procedures, such as establishing development plans and conducting strategic environmental impact assessments, for Yeoncheon County and Pocheon City, which were selected as candidate sites within the province alongside Paju.

It stated that once related procedures are completed, it plans to apply for the second designation in August of next year.

In addition, it plans to hold an additional candidate contest this month to select one more city or county by the end of the year.

Gyeonggi Governor Choo Mi-ae said, "Based on Paju's locational and industrial competitiveness, we will make every effort to be designated for the first pilot special zone," adding, "Starting with the Paju Peace Economy Special Zone, we will focus our administrative capabilities to successfully establish peace economy hubs in the northeastern part of Gyeonggi Province."

(Photo provided by Gyeonggi Province, Yonhap News)