Gyeongsangbuk-do, which has devoted itself to making APEC 2025 Korea a success, has worked out a post-APEC plan to capitalize on the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting, scheduled to take place from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1.
The provincial government held a final briefing session on the post-APEC business research service in Gyeongju on Oct. 15 and unveiled key post-APEC business projects.
First, Gyeongsangbuk-do decided to regularize the World Gyeongju Forum to develop Gyeongju, the venue of the APEC, a center of history and culture as well as international exchanges.
By hosting the forum annually, the provincial government plans to set up a network among heritage cities around the world and develop it as a venue to discuss global issues in the history and culture sectors.
A Gyeongsangbuk-do representative said, “The provincial government has already secured part of government fund to implement the project and in a long-term perspective, it plans to evolve it into a world history and culture version of the ‘Davos Forum,’ also known as the World Economic Forum.”
The provincial government plans to refurbish the Gyeongju Bomun Tourism Complex, the nation’s first tourist center, marking the 50th anniversary this year.
It plans to implement a project to reshape the Gyeongju Bomun Tourism Complex by reflecting historical records of the APEC 2025 Korea and build a sculptural installation.
Gyeongsangbuk-do is considering remodeling old tourism facilities, attracting a deluxe hotel and introducing a mono-rail, a self-driving car or a trolly car.
Stressing peace and prosperity, core values of the APEC, Gyeongsangbuk-do also plans to build Silla History Culture Grand Park.
The Silla History Culture Grand Park, to be made in conjunction of the Tongiljeon (Unification Pavilion), Hwarang Education Institute and Gyeongbuk Millennium Forest Garden, is a mega-project related to a multi-purpose, history, ecology, education, experience tourist center.
The provincial government will make all-out efforts to specify core projects and reflect the projects in the government budget for next year.
Gyeongsangbuk-do Vice Gov. Kim Hak-hong said, “The post-APEC is a true starting point, and the future of Gyeongju and Gyeongsangbuk-do depends on how they could flesh out on follow-up strategies, and we will make our utmost efforts to make post-APEC strategies conducive to real regional development and national branding.”
Hosts ‘APEC 2025 Korea Member Countries and Gyeongsangbuk-do Investment Forum’
Gyeongsangbuk-do successfully wrapped up “APEC 2025 Korea Member Countries and Gyeongsangbuk-do Investment Forum” at Gyeongju Hilton Hotel from Oct. 16 to Oct. 17.
The forum was joint hosted and organized by Gyeongsangbuk-do, Gyeongju City and KOTRA to expand mutual investments among Asia-Pacific member countries and ramp up industry cooperation.
The event was attended by some 300 people, including 120 government, institution and company delegates from 13 APEC member countries and 180 officials from 130 Korean companies.
Investment environment conditions of Gyeongsangbuk-do and Gyeongju City were introduced and ways of promoting mutual investments and exchanges among APEC member countries were earnestly discussed.
APEC member countries have a dominating share in trade and investment with Korea. Korea’s top 10 trade partners include nine APEC member countries.
APEC member countries accounted for 64 percent of foreign direct investment Korea attracted in 2024.
FDI serves as a core driving force for the regional economy, contributing to the growth of regional specialized industries, such as advanced industries and tourism as well as job creation.
The provincial government, stressing the development of advanced industries, such as semiconductor, secondary battery, bio and future mobility, has offered benefits, such as tac credit for foreign investors in the related industries.
During the forum, Gyeongsangbuk-do announced its strategic industries and investment environment conditions.
APEC member countries, such as the United States, China, Vietnam and Mexico introduced their own investment policies and opportunities and shared mutual cooperation opportunities.
In the morning, Gyeongsangbukdo and Gyeongju City had investment attraction consultation meetings with 22 foreign investment companies.
In the afternoon, an session on exploring overseas markets took place, with APEC member countries and Korean companies in attendance.
Gyeongsangbukdo Gov. Lee Cheol-woo said, “Gyeongsangbuk-do is offering attractive investment opportunities to global investors based on future growth engines such as advanced industries and eco-friendly energy and we will provide full support so that the forum can help Gyeongbuk can grow into a core investment center of the Asia-Pacific region.”
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