Kim Dong-yeon: "Gyeonggi Northern Province Initiative for Development, Not Politics"

[Suwon Ilbo=Park No-hun Reporter] Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon reiterated that the initiative to establish Gyeonggi Northern Province is purely for the development of northern Gyeonggi, not for political slogans or objectives.

Governor Kim held his second "Citizens' Dialogue in the Field" on the 25th at Cheongok-eup's Cheotmeo-ri Street in Yeoncheon County, stating, "I have plans to develop Gyeonggi Northern Province into a special autonomous province, but this is neither a political slogan nor an objective," and added, "I have nothing but the desire to develop northern Gyeonggi."

The town hall dialogue was attended by approximately 150 people including Governor Kim, Yeoncheon County Mayor Kim Deok-hyun, Provincial Assemblyman Yoon Jong-young, and local residents.

Governor Kim explained, "If we can develop Yeoncheon County, which can be called the northernmost point even in the north, I believe that northern Gyeonggi can surely develop. That is why I first came to visit you in the northern region."

In particular, Governor Kim told the central government, "Northern Gyeonggi has a population of 3.6 million and well-preserved environment and ecosystems, and with ESG management, it will become the region with the greatest growth potential," and said, "If the north develops, raising the economic growth rate by 1 to 2 percent is not difficult. If regulations are eased and investments are made to achieve that, it will grow to become the heart of Korea's economic growth."

Residents who attended the event directly proposed to Governor Kim Dong-yeon regional issues and suggestions including the completion of Yeoncheon County Senior Center and Disabled Center, village community centers, and Youth AI Center, relaxation of Demilitarized Zone regulations, use of military idle land, attraction of state-owned enterprises, road construction, environmental issues near industrial complexes, and expansion of cultural, medical, and sports facilities.

The Citizens' Dialogue in the Field is an event held monthly in one city or county where the governor visits the site and freely discusses local issues.

Previously, on the 27th of last month, Governor Kim held the first "Citizens' Dialogue in the Field" at Bam-dong San Park in Anan-gu, Anyang City and announced plans to actively pursue measures for aging downtown areas and first-generation new towns.

Meanwhile, after the town hall dialogue concluded, Governor Kim Dong-yeon attended a volunteer event to help with eco-friendly rice harvesting in Misan-myeon, Yeoncheon County.

After harvesting rice, Governor Kim met with reporters and said, "I plan to make many efforts for the development of northern Gyeonggi. I will create a vision, development strategy, and implementation plan suited to the northern region, consult with provincial residents, and promote development together."