Provincial Governor of Gyeonggi-do, Hak-kyu Sohn has held the opening ceremony of 2004 at the assembly hall of the secondary office building at 9 AM on January 2. In is opening speech, Sohn expressed his hopes for the growth of Gyeonggi-do, prosperity of Korea, and the health and happiness of the people of Gyeonggi-do. 

Through Governor Sohn’s New Year speech he said “Through the difficulties due to the war in Iraq, worries about the North Korean nuclear weapon, spread of the deadly epidemic SARS, walk out of the freight association and other happenings, has not stop the unity of 10 million residents and the devotion of 35,000 officials, who contributed to establish the Paju TFT-LCD facilities and gradually develop Gyeonggi-do into an international province.” 

He also added, “Korea’s economy and growth potential has been weakened by the decrease of equipment investments, high aging and low birthrate society, domestic stagnation and other reasons. Difficulties such as restriction onto development is expected, but Gyeonggi-do will deduce concrete results for the quality of life for the residents of the province.” 

First, 37.6% of available budget from 2003 will be invested on SOC as well as roads, railroads and harbors, next generation high-tech industry on TFT-LCD and the IT industry will be developed and increase on employment of those who have outstanding skills. Research and development infra on high-tech industries such as the Nano Specialized Fab Center and the National Science Museum will be sharply improved. Support will also be centered on the Tourism and Culture Valley in Goyang, animation industry in Bucheon, design industry in Seongnam and other industries will be promoted to improve the software industry. 

(Rest omitted)