Busan–Ulsan–Gyeongnam Region Takes Joint Action to Secure National Funding for Super-Regional Cooperation Projects

[Financial News] The Busan–Ulsan–Gyeongnam Super-Regional Economic Alliance Promotion Headquarters said on the 20th that it recently visited the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea to coordinate efforts to secure central-government funding for next year's Busan–Ulsan–Gyeongnam super-regional cooperation projects and have key joint issues reflected in government policy.
The visit was a follow-up measure aimed at conveying to the National Assembly the cooperation initiatives jointly discussed by the three local governments at the Busan–Ulsan–Gyeongnam Policy Council meeting held on the 9th. It also sought to secure the inclusion of central-government funding for the region's joint cooperation projects in next year's government budget proposal.
That day, the headquarters visited, one after another, the offices of lawmakers representing the Busan–Ulsan–Gyeongnam region who serve on the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee and the Trade, Industry, Energy, SMEs and Startups Committee. It explained the need for the major projects jointly pursued by the three areas, as well as the significance of super-regional cooperation and balanced regional development. The headquarters also requested active interest and cooperation during the National Assembly's review of the government's budget proposal. The 15 major Busan–Ulsan–Gyeongnam cooperation projects for 2027 have a combined value of KRW 130 billion. It urged the allocation of KRW 32 billion in central-government funding for seven projects under the jurisdiction of the two committees.
The headquarters also requested policy support for the major cooperation initiatives jointly discussed by the three local governments at the Busan–Ulsan–Gyeongnam Policy Council. These include securing approval in the preliminary feasibility study for the Southeastern Region Circular Metropolitan Railway, starting construction early on the Busan–Yangsan–Ulsan Metropolitan Railway, and including the Ulsan–Busan–Gadeokdo New Airport Metropolitan Railway in the National Railway Network Plan.
To secure stable funding for super-regional cooperation projects and respond systematically to joint issues, the headquarters has formed and is operating a Joint National Funding Response Team led by the heads of the planning and coordination offices of the three local governments. It is maintaining coordinated action at each stage, from the government budget proposal process through the National Assembly's review.
In particular, this year it plans to strengthen coordinated action throughout the National Assembly's review process. The headquarters will actively explain the need for national funding for each project from the standing committee stage and continue its step-by-step response through the review by the Special Committee on Budget and Accounts, thereby increasing the likelihood of securing national funding for major super-regional cooperation projects.
[email protected] Baek Chang-hoon Reporter