Prioritizing Revival of Regional Economy and Stabilization of Ordinary Citizens' Livelihoods

Mayor Kim Yong-seo emphasized through his New Year's address that the 2009 municipal administration goals would focus on "revitalizing the stagnant regional economy and stabilizing the livelihoods of ordinary citizens."

Mayor Kim made these remarks on the morning of the 2nd at a ceremony held at the Gyeonggi Provincial Cultural Center with Suwon city civil servants in attendance.

Mayor Kim stated, "This year's economic growth rate for our nation is projected to be below the 2% range," and added, "The top priority of 2009 municipal administration will be revitalizing the stagnant regional economy and focusing on stabilizing ordinary citizens' livelihoods."

To this end, he proposed expanding public sector investment through stable financial reinforcement to create jobs and revitalize the regional economy through early budget execution, while simultaneously expanding welfare sector investment to strengthen social safety nets for low-income citizens and vulnerable groups including the elderly and people with disabilities.

Additionally, Mayor Kim unveiled his vision to lead 2009 as a year concentrating municipal administration capacity on the successful completion of key projects from the fourth elected term, including education support projects and strengthening urban competitiveness through culture and sports.

The following is a summary of Mayor Kim Yong-seo's New Year's address.

Honored 1.1 million citizens of Suwon! And 3,000 civil servants!

The new year of the Year of the Ox has dawned. For the new year, I hope that all 1.1 million citizens of Suwon and 3,000 civil servants will have a year filled with fortune in their families and achieve great development. As we all have had a difficult year, our anticipation and hope upon welcoming the new year seem greater than ever before.

As the U.S.-originated financial crisis has led to a synchronized global economic downturn, our economy too has been strained by domestic demand contraction and weakened exports, making corporate management and ordinary citizens' lives even more difficult.

The government has announced multi-faceted economic stimulus measures including cuts to the base interest rate, tax system reforms, and expanded fiscal expenditures. Suwon has also led citizens and civil servants to gather foreign currency from household drawers for foreign exchange market stabilization, practiced energy conservation and frugality in daily life, pooling wisdom and taking action to overcome economic difficulties.

Reputable domestic and international economic institutions are projecting this year's economic growth rate for our nation to be below the 2% range. With prolonged economic downturn shaking major domestic industries and unemployment increasing, economic difficulties are expected to intensify further.

Therefore, the top priority of this year's municipal administration will be revitalizing the stagnant regional economy and focusing on stabilizing ordinary citizens' livelihoods.

First, through stable financial reinforcement via tax revenue securing and current expense reduction, I will expand public sector investment to create jobs and revitalize the regional economy through early budget execution. I will also expand welfare sector investment to strengthen social safety nets for low-income citizens and vulnerable groups including the elderly and people with disabilities.

Furthermore, I plan to concentrate municipal administration capacity on successfully completing key projects of the fourth elected term, including education support projects for nurturing global talent, strengthening urban competitiveness through culture and sports, constructing advanced cities, and creating pleasant environments.

Regarding the municipal administration plans that Suwon will focus on promoting in 2009, organized into eight key project areas, I will first take the lead in regional economic revitalization by creating an environment conducive to business.

Next, I will create a competitive educational environment for nurturing world-class talent, and will build cultural, tourism, and sports infrastructure where people can stay and enjoy themselves to accelerate economic growth.

Additionally, I will pursue welfare measures to create a warm society sharing with underprivileged citizens and a happy city, and will construct an eco-friendly city where nature and people harmonize through continuous water quality management and expanded green spaces.

Beyond these, I will establish the foundation for an international hub city in preparation for the era of regional expansion and internationalization, build convenient road and transportation systems for citizens, and implement open administration through active communication and exchange with citizens.

Honored 1.1 million citizens of Suwon! And 3,000 civil servants!

This year marks the 60th anniversary of Suwon's elevation to city status. On August 15, 1949, a small city with a population of 52,000 has now achieved remarkable growth and development as a leading city of 1.1 million. However, the current global economic situation is very uncertain, and difficult circumstances that threaten our future await us.

If we improve unreasonable systems and institutions throughout society with future-oriented thinking and pioneer new fields for future growth, opportunities to extend our reach globally will be given to us once again.

Though the new year of the Year of the Ox will be economically difficult and challenging, I ask that we unite our hearts once more in creating Happy Suwon through the generous hearts and consideration of our citizens and civil servants as shown in Taean volunteer work.

I hope that all your New Year's wishes come true, and that happiness and joy will always be with you. Wishing you a prosperous new year.