Jeon Jae-soo: "Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam Mega-Region Projects Are Frustrating, Will Communicate with Governor Park Wan-soo"

Busan Mayor Jeon Jae-soo stated, "I will communicate with South Gyeongsang Province Governor Park Wan-soo for cooperation between Busan, Ulsan, and South Gyeongsang Province."

During his first press briefing after taking office, Mayor Jeon responded to a question about the cooperation strategy for the Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam (Bu-Ul-Gyeong) region by expressing his frustration, saying, "Budget planning by government ministries has already concluded and will soon be submitted to the State Council. There is no alternative plan for how to reflect projects like the Bu-Ul-Gyeong metropolitan transportation network in next year's budget."

He continued, "The declaration to restore the mega-city before the election was made because the Local Autonomy Act provides a legal basis for budgeting common projects for Bu-Ul-Gyeong," adding, "Although the 9th popularly elected administration launched and expressed to the media its intention to unite Bu-Ul-Gyeong into a single economic zone, there has been no significant response, so I will pursue communication with Governor Park."

Regarding the issue of supplying clean water, a 30-year long-cherished desire of Busan citizens, the Mayor said, "Sufficient discussions have taken place, and now is the time for a decision," adding, "Every region except Busan and North Gyeongsang Province has its own water source. I believe we should consult with Changnyeong and Uiryeong in South Gyeongsang Province, check the costs and budget, and push forward with the water supply project."

Addressing concerns that the Bu-Ul-Gyeong region was excluded from the three major projects recently announced by the government and large corporations, Mayor Jeon said, "Being jealous will not solve the problem," and emphasized, "It is important to accurately identify our strengths and competitiveness to set the direction for our industries."

He added, "The competitiveness of physical AI lies in stable power and data, which is something only the Bu-Ul-Gyeong region, with its four national industrial complexes, can provide," and continued, "We do not need to worry too much because Bu-Ul-Gyeong has the greatest competitiveness."

Regarding major projects pushed by the previous administration, such as the establishment of the Centre Pompidou Busan branch and the invitation of the La Scala opera performance, the Mayor said, "In terms of predictability and continuity, I will reach a conclusion within this year after gathering sufficient opinions from stakeholders, public officials, and citizens."

(Photo: Provided by Busan Metropolitan City, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.