Pyeongtaek Mayor Jung Jang-seon: "I Will Fill 2025 with Hope Through Creating New Opportunities"

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Park Chan-hyuk] Pyeongtaek Mayor Jung Jang-seon said on the 21st, "I will fill 2025 with hope through creating new opportunities."

Mayor Jung held a 'New Year press conference' on that day with around 100 members of the press and senior municipal officials in attendance, outlining major city policies for the new year.

The conference proceeded in the order of announcing major achievements from last year, explaining major 2024 policies, and a question-and-answer session.

At the event, Mayor Jung Jang-seon explained that Pyeongtaek's advanced industries are being revitalized centered on semiconductors, hydrogen, and future vehicles, and that the city has continued to grow through carbon-neutral projects and the construction of various public infrastructure within the city.

He also noted that Pyeongtaek is advancing as a cultural city through the establishment of the Pyeongtaek Municipal Korean Orchestra, and that transportation infrastructure has expanded through the extension decision of the GTX line and the opening of Anjung Station, improving the city's residential conditions.

Mayor Jung then stated that policies would be pursued to sustain Pyeongtaek's growth this year.

The city plans to create a more livable city through △stabilization of people's livelihoods △securing advanced industry foundations △strengthening welfare and education △overcoming climate crisis △water quality improvement projects △cultural activation △and earnest preparation for the AI era.

In particular, Mayor Jung Jang-seon expressed his intention to actively nurture the AI industry starting this year. To this end, from March, the city will operate a dedicated department for AI and provide educational programs for citizens. Additionally, it will improve digital administrative work through AI and foster high-value-added AI-related industries.

He also emphasized the determination to address people's livelihoods amid rapidly changing environments and economic uncertainty. In fact, Pyeongtaek city plans to strengthen local currency issuance, customized support for small business owners, youth, and vulnerable workers to revitalize the economy.

Mayor Jung Jang-seon said, "Though the new year has begun, the political and economic situation in our country is not bright," but added, "I believe that if the civic strength and united power that our citizens have shown during each crisis are demonstrated, we will be able to overcome the current dark situation."

He continued, "Fortunately, Pyeongtaek has the potential to create new opportunities," and said, "This year too, our city will carefully attend to citizens' lives and daily routines, listen more closely to citizens' voices, and fill 2025 with hope."