President Lee Jae Myung, Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong and SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won clasp hands at Cheong Wa Dae on June 29 after announcing corporate investment plans at a public briefing on three major mega-projects. [Yonhap]
President Lee Jae Myung, Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong and SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won clasp hands at Cheong Wa Dae on June 29 after announcing corporate investment plans at a public briefing on three major mega-projects. [Yonhap]

The Gwangju Employers' Federation on Monday welcomed Cheong Wa Dae's announcement that it will develop a Honam-region semiconductor cluster on the site of Gwangju Military Airport, calling on the entire community to unite behind the project.

"The semiconductor industry is not a task for any single local government or institution — it is a matter of critical importance for the development of the entire southwestern region and the growth of future generations," the federation said. "All citizens must offer warm encouragement and wholehearted support, grounded in mutual trust."

The group also warned that delays could prove costly. "Building an advanced semiconductor fab and relocating a large-scale military and civilian airport are long-term projects that take considerable time," it said. "If time is needlessly wasted in administrative procedures or the process of securing the site, we risk missing the golden age of the global semiconductor market and losing a precious opportunity for regional advancement."

The federation urged authorities to ease regulations boldly to facilitate the smooth relocation of the military and civilian airport, and to dramatically shorten the project development timeline through swift administrative procedures, including exemptions from preliminary feasibility studies. It also called for comprehensive corporate support measures, including essential infrastructure such as power and water supply, as well as tax incentives.


sij@heraldcorp.com