Pyeongtaek City Holds Forum on Post-Coronavirus Revitalization of Pyeongtaek Port

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Seo Dong-young] Pyeongtaek City announced that it held a 'Post-Coronavirus, Forum for Revitalizing Pyeongtaek Port' on the 8th at the Grand Hall of the Pyeongtaek Poseung Workers Welfare Center.

The forum was hosted by the city and organized by the International Logistics and Maritime Research Institute of Pyeongtaek University, with the aim of strengthening the competitiveness of Pyeongtaek Port in response to changes in the global trade environment.

About 50 people attended, including Mayor Jung Jang-seon of Pyeongtaek City, National Assembly Member Hong Ki-won, and officials from port-related organizations and businesses involved with Pyeongtaek Port.

Kim Seong-beom, Director of the Port Bureau at the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, said in his keynote address, "As economic contraction and restructuring of global value chains are expected following COVID-19, we must prepare for new competition," and added, "The government will continue efforts to implement future innovative ports through fostering smart ports and constructing eco-friendly ports."

Participants then presented topics including ▲development directions for Pyeongtaek Port in response to changes in the shipping, port, and logistics environment, and ▲measures for fostering specialized industries and developing human resources at Pyeongtaek Port.

Various alternatives for Pyeongtaek Port's future development were also presented. Participants argued that it is necessary to foster the automobile and e-commerce industries as specialized industries based on Pyeongtaek Port's hinterland, and improve services through cooperation with CIQ agencies such as addressing customs clearance delays. They also agreed that port-related professional personnel should be trained through cooperation among the city, industry, and universities.

In designated discussions, experts from various fields including shipping, port logistics, hinterland development, and port users expressed their views on measures to revitalize Pyeongtaek Port.

Mayor Jung Jang-seon of Pyeongtaek City stated, "This forum presented various opinions to develop response strategies for Pyeongtaek Port in response to changes in the global environment," and added, "We will actively reflect these opinions to make Pyeongtaek Port a model port following COVID-19."