Busan chamber hosts policy forum with Mayor Jeon Jae-soo

The Busan Chamber of Commerce and Industry held a policy forum Thursday afternoon with Busan Mayor Jeon Jae-soo at the chamber's international conference hall.

The forum was attended by Chamber President Yang Jae-saeng and other chamber executives alongside Mayor Jeon, his economic policy director and other city officials. Organized to mark the 100th day of the ninth directly elected city administration, it gave the business community a direct channel to share key economic concerns and have them reflected in city policy.

The chamber submitted five proposals: regulatory reforms to bring construction costs for Gadeokdo New Airport in line with market reality; accelerated progress on the water intake source diversification project; introduction of a region-based electricity tariff system that accounts for each area's contribution to power generation; local tax exemptions for the marine industry cluster; and opening the public freight truck depot in Mieeum, Gangseo-gu to general vehicles during daytime weekday hours when truck usage is low.

On Gadeokdo New Airport, the chamber asked the city to establish a regulatory mechanism that would fairly reflect cost increases arising between the issuance of a tender notice and the signing of a contract. On the water intake diversification project, it called for government-led conflict mediation, support for communities near intake sites and the development of additional alternative water sources to ensure a stable supply for Busan.

On the region-based electricity tariff, the chamber said the government's final design must fully reflect actual power conditions — including energy self-sufficiency rates, transmission costs and the contributions of power-generating regions — so that Busan businesses can feel a tangible benefit. It also made clear that Busan should not face a relatively unfavorable tariff standard simply because of its administrative classification as a metropolitan city.

The chamber also raised regulatory reform issues at the local level. The Busan Port marine industry cluster was developed as a hub for new marine industries by repurposing idle port facilities at the former Uam Wharf, but unlike general industrial complexes it receives no local tax exemptions, making it difficult to attract tenants. Occupancy currently stands at around 33 percent.

The chamber asked the city to add a local tax exemption clause for the marine industry cluster to the Busan Metropolitan City Tax Reduction Ordinance, easing the acquisition tax and property tax burden on both the project operator and tenant companies. It also requested an ordinance amendment to open the public freight truck depot in Mieeum Industrial Complex to general vehicles during daytime weekday hours when truck traffic is light, in order to ease parking congestion in the area.

"Institutions and companies set to lead the marine industry are establishing themselves in Busan one after another, and this is translating into business transactions and investment for local firms," Yang said. "We will work together with the city to help businesspeople who want to grow their enterprises in Busan for the long term realize that goal."

Mayor Jeon said he regards the Busan Chamber of Commerce and Industry as the most important partner for the ninth administration's economic policy. "I will be a mayor who listens more to businesses and works harder on their behalf," he said.