High-Value Industries to Flourish on Vacant Sites Left by Relocated Public Institutions in Suwon
[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Jung Jun-sung] Suwon City and Gyeonggi Province have agreed to cooperate in productively utilizing idle sites resulting from the relocation of Gyeonggi Province-affiliated public institutions.
On the 9th at the Gyeonggi Province Government Office situation room, Governor Lee Jae-myung and Suwon Mayor Yeom Tae-young signed a memorandum of understanding on 'the productive use of relocated public institution sites.'
Since December 2019, Gyeonggi Province has announced in three phases plans to relocate Gyeonggi Province-invested and operated public institutions based in Suwon to other cities and counties. A total of 12 public institutions are subject to relocation.
At the MOU signing ceremony, Mayor Yeom Tae-young stated, "I hope that follow-up measures resulting from the relocation of Gyeonggi Province public institutions will proceed seamlessly, like interlocking gears." He added, "I hope that after the public institutions relocate, other enterprises and institutions will move in immediately without delay, so that 'temporary desolation' does not occur."
He continued, "While I mentioned earlier that I understand the greater purpose of balanced development, for citizens who have long established their lives around public institutions, the relocation of these institutions will not be a simple matter." He emphasized, "Measures that can address their concerns are necessary."
After Governor Lee Jae-myung announced the 'Gyeonggi Province Public Institution Third Relocation Plan' on February 17, Mayor Yeom stated, "I understand the purpose of dispersing Gyeonggi Province public institutions from the perspective of balanced development." He requested, "However, I hope that the specific implementation method will be discussed closely with Suwon City, and that alternatives will be prepared."
The Suwon City Government Research Institute conducted research on 'spatial changes in Suwon City due to the relocation of Gyeonggi Province public institutions' and proposed measures for utilizing the relocated sites to Gyeonggi Province. Suwon City's proposals have been incorporated into this MOU.
Suwon City and Gyeonggi Province agreed to cooperate in fostering high-value-added strategic industries by attracting advanced technology-based enterprises and related institutions in IT and BT (information technology and biotechnology) sectors to the Gwanggyo site, where the Gyeonggi Province Economic Science and Technology Promotion Agency and the Gyeonggi Credit Guarantee Foundation are located.
Additionally, at the Pajeong site resulting from the relocation of the Gyeonggi Research Institute and others, they agreed to cooperate in attracting renewable energy and upcycling specialized companies and prospective entrepreneurs, proactively responding to the climate crisis, and establishing a foundation for a sustainable industrial ecosystem based on a circular economy.
Furthermore, to minimize damage to the local economy after public institutions relocate and to stabilize surrounding areas promptly, they agreed to cooperate in forming practical working groups to promote cooperation matters, implementing administrative procedures, and other efforts.
Suwon City and Gyeonggi Province plan to actively share relevant data and information to efficiently promote cooperation matters.
Governor Lee Jae-myung stated, "Mayor Yeom Tae-young has provided many suggestions to resolve problems that will arise from the relocation of public institutions." He promised, "As idle spaces will emerge in Suwon and southern Gyeonggi Province due to the relocation of public institutions, we will consult with local governments and support them in ways that benefit regional development."
He continued, "Suwon is a place with high corporate preference, so it would be better for companies related to future industries rather than public institutions to move in." He stated, "Gyeonggi Province and Suwon City will establish good cooperative relationships to utilize the relocated sites in ways that benefit Suwon City."
Mayor Yeom Tae-young said, "I am grateful that Governor Lee Jae-myung has accommodated our city's requests and created alternatives." He expressed, "I hope that Suwon City and Gyeonggi Province will coordinate well and implement today's agreement without any hitches."