Jeon Jae-su Meets Busan Business Leaders: "I Will Reflect Voices from the Field in City Administration"

Busan Chamber of Commerce Hosts Business Leaders' Meeting with Elected Mayor


Discussions Focus on Attracting Companies, Retaining Anchor Enterprises, and Relocating Maritime Institutions

The Busan Chamber of Commerce and Industry held an economic meeting with Jeon Jae-su, the elected Mayor of Busan who will soon take office for the 9th term, and local business leaders, reaffirming their commitment to cooperate for the resurgence of Busan's economy.

On June 22, the Busan Chamber of Commerce and Industry hosted the "Business Leaders' Meeting with Jeon Jae-su, Elected Mayor of Busan" at the Chamber Hall on the second floor of its headquarters.

This meeting was organized to share the direction of economic policy for the next Busan municipal administration and to convey the on-site perspectives of local companies.

More than 70 prominent business figures representing Busan's economic sector attended the event, including Yang Jae-saeng, Chairman of the Busan Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Jang In-hwa, Honorary Chairman; Kang Byung-jung, Chairman of Nexen Group; Song Gyu-jeong, Chairman of Winsteel; and Shin Jung-taek, Chairman of Sewoon Steel.

The meeting began with the presentation of a congratulatory plaque to celebrate the mayoral election victory, followed by policy proposals and suggestions on current issues from local entrepreneurs, and concluded with an open discussion with Jeon Jae-su.

On this day, the business community presented a variety of policy tasks to strengthen the foundations for Busan's growth.

First, they emphasized the urgent need to advance the diversification of water intake sources to enhance corporate competitiveness and improve residential conditions. They explained that securing a stable supply of industrial water is a critical task not only for industry but also for improving citizens' living environments.

They also called for the rapid expansion and optimization of power grids and energy systems to attract more high-tech industries such as semiconductors, data centers, and future mobility companies.

Requests to strengthen Busan's status as a maritime capital also continued.

The business leaders proposed the active relocation of six maritime-specialized public institutions under the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to Busan, in order to amplify the agglomeration effects of the maritime industry.

Above all, the most widely supported topic at the meeting was the dual focus on "attracting companies" and "retaining existing enterprises."

The participating businesspeople unanimously agreed that while it is important to attract new companies to Busan, it is even more urgent to ensure that companies with headquarters in the region, which have grown together with the city, do not leave Busan.

In particular, concerns were raised regarding the potential relocation of Korea Southern Power's headquarters in connection with the government's ongoing discussions on integrating public energy companies. Additionally, for Air Busan, the issue of maintaining headquarters functions after the merger of Korean Air and Asiana Airlines was highlighted as a significant concern for the local economy.

There were also requests for attention and support for Kumyang, a key local company, and Sirius Airlines, a new regional airline.

The business leaders stressed the need for the municipal government to pay special attention and provide support so that companies currently facing business difficulties or changes in the industrial environment can grow into anchor enterprises representing Busan in the future.

The Busan Chamber of Commerce and Industry also shared the results of a "Survey of Local Business Leaders' Expectations for the New Busan Municipal Administration" conducted during the event, relaying the need for regulatory reforms, improved investment environments, and expanded industrial infrastructure as felt by companies on the ground.

Yang Jae-saeng, Chairman of the Busan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said, "I sincerely celebrate the start of the new 9th-term Busan municipal administration together with local business leaders," adding, "The business community will work closely with Busan City so that Busan can rise as the maritime capital of South Korea and the regional economy can regain its vitality."

Jeon Jae-su, the elected Mayor of Busan, stated, "Jobs are preserved when companies endure, and as companies grow, the local economy and the lives of citizens are enriched. I will actively reflect the voices from the field in city administration and do my utmost to improve the structure of Busan's economy and lay the foundation for future growth."

The Busan Chamber of Commerce and Industry held a meeting with business leaders inviting Jeon Jae-su, the Mayor-elect of Busan, and they are taking a commemorative photo.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.