Kim Jong-cheol Takes Office as New IFEZ Commissioner: "We Will Advance Investment Attraction"

[Financial News, Incheon—Reporter Han Gap-su] Kim Jong-cheol, the newly appointed commissioner of the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority, held an inauguration ceremony on the 18th and announced plans to lead a new leap forward for the Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ), focusing on advancing global investment attraction, strengthening the industrial ecosystem, creating a culture and wellness city, and developing southern Ganghwa.
In his inaugural address, Commissioner Kim said, "As IFEZ has grown into a hub leading South Korea's globalization and economic growth, it is facing another important turning point." He added, "I will ensure that the 9th popularly elected administration of Incheon Metropolitan City's 'Overwhelming Growth, Happy Change' translates into tangible results on the ground for citizens and businesses."
Commissioner Kim outlined four policy priorities for the future. First, he will pursue strategic investment attraction aligned with national industrial strategies and changes in global supply chains, moving beyond the existing development-centered approach. The plan is to create an investment environment tailored to corporate needs and establish a foundation that enables companies to remain and grow in IFEZ after investing.
He also plans to build an industrial ecosystem that supports corporate growth and innovation by connecting global companies with universities, research institutions, and entrepreneurs. The goal is to develop Songdo International City, Yeongjong, and Cheongna into hubs where industries and jobs grow together.
IFEZ will also strengthen its cultural, tourism, and wellness functions. By leveraging its international accessibility, supported by airports and ports, the zone plans to build a global value chain for the K-culture industry and foster culture and content as growth engines for tourism and the local economy.
In particular, Commissioner Kim identified the pursuit of a new designation for southern Ganghwa as an economic free zone as a key task for securing new space for growth. He said he would develop southern Ganghwa into a future growth area and make it a new catalyst for regional development.
He also emphasized that he would create a sustainable city where energy and the environment, as well as technology and quality of life, are in harmony. He pledged to spread IFEZ's achievements across Incheon Metropolitan City and build a structure that grows together with the region.
Commissioner Kim said, "I will listen closely to the voices of businesses and find answers in the field." He added, "I will create an innovation-driven growth ecosystem that connects industry and energy, businesses and investment, and technology and talent."
Commissioner Kim entered government service through the national civil service examination. He previously served as resource industry policy director at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, head of the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) Foreign Investor Support Center, and director-general of trade cooperation at the Ministry of Trade and Industry. His three-year term runs through September 17, 2029.
[email protected] Han Gap-su Reporter