The South Jeolla-Gwangju Integrated Special City will launch a task force to draw up a development strategy for the southwestern region.
The initiative aims to improve medical conditions in the area centered on Mokpo and secure future growth engines.
Administrative Vice Mayor Hwang Ki-yeon will head the task force, while Policy Planning Officer Son Myeong-do will serve as deputy team leader in charge of drafting a comprehensive development plan.
The task force's working-level structure will consist of four teams covering the health care system, regional development, improvements to social infrastructure and living conditions, and university support.
The task force plans to consult with experts in each field to identify effective projects and work out concrete support measures.
Drawing on public suggestions and expert opinions covering medical care, universities and regional development, the city plans to unveil a comprehensive development plan called the Southwestern Region Great Leap Initiative later this month.
The city also plans to run a consultative body involving local communities and political circles so that on-the-ground opinions are reflected in policy.
It will additionally operate a public suggestion platform to incorporate citizens' ideas on southwestern region development into policy.
Through the government's Communication Innovation 24 platform and the integrated special city's website, the city plans to collect ideas on medical infrastructure and university competitiveness.
It will also gather ideas on regional development strategy for the southwestern region.
For projects that require national government backing, the city plans to actively appeal to the central government and coordinate closely with relevant ministries to strengthen implementation of the comprehensive plan.
The measure follows a Sept. 1 Cabinet meeting presided over by the president, at which the government ordered a review of central government-level support measures for the southwestern region.
sij@heraldcorp.com
