N. Gyeongsang lawmaker pushes bill to boost local firms' share of education contracts

A bill aimed at expanding local businesses' participation in goods and services contracts handled by the North Gyeongsang Provincial Office of Education cleared the provincial assembly's education committee Wednesday.

The bill, proposed by People Power Party lawmaker Hwang Jae-cheol of Yeongdeok, seeks to establish an institutional framework that encourages local firms to take part in procurement contracts issued by education administrative agencies, public schools and kindergartens under the provincial education office — channeling public spending back into the regional economy.

Under the measure, the superintendent of education would be required to develop and implement comprehensive policies to revitalize local industry and work to increase local businesses' participation in bidding.

The bill also calls for job training for contract officers, promotional campaigns for locally produced goods, and the annual public disclosure of contract records subject to regionally restricted bidding — steps designed to improve transparency in the procurement process.

The bill is set to receive a final vote at the third plenary session of the 366th regular session of the North Gyeongsang Provincial Assembly on Thursday.

"I hope this ordinance will broaden opportunities for local businesses, help create jobs in the region, strengthen the industrial base and contribute to a virtuous cycle in the local economy," Hwang said.