Gangneung city is stepping up direct engagement with major local businesses as part of an effort to practice field-centered governance and build a cooperative framework for regional economic development.
Mayor Kim Jung-nam visited Gangneung Eco Power Co. in Anin-ri, Gangdong-myeon on Monday to discuss key issues and mutual growth strategies with company officials.
The visit was arranged to hear firsthand about operational challenges at the power plant, address residents' complaints from nearby communities, and explore ways to foster shared development with local businesses.
At the meeting, participants discussed cooperation plans for boosting the local economy as well as inconveniences experienced by residents in Aninjin-ri and Daedong-ri stemming from the plant's operations.
The two sides also agreed to work together to ensure that tasks in each area proceed without delay in connection with the planned extension of the power development project implementation plan, with completion now targeted for March 2029.
"Stable plant operations are important, but our top priority is guaranteeing a comfortable residential environment for local residents and achieving mutual growth with businesses in the area," Kim said. "I urge the company to actively cooperate on the requests raised here — using locally sourced materials and addressing environmental improvement needs."
He added that Gangneung city would carefully examine the operational difficulties facing businesses and actively reflect areas where administrative support is possible, with the goal of building a virtuous cycle in which residents, businesses and local government grow together.
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