The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries' transfer project to Busan is picking up speed. Recently, the union of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries withdrew its opposition, and with the introduction of a special bill to support the transfer of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, expectations are rising for completion by the end of the year.
According to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries on the 20th, People Power Party lawmaker Kwak Gyu-taek officially proposed the 'Special Bill for the Transfer of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the Strengthening of Marine Industry Competitiveness' on the 16th.
The bill aims to provide legal grounds for the transfer of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and its affiliated organizations to Busan, establish specialized innovation zones for the marine industry and designated industrial complexes, build cooperative systems among local governments, industries, and universities, and foster marine professionals.
The core of the proposal is to designate the 'specialized innovation zone for the marine industry' where the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and related agencies will reside, allowing for tax reductions, support for location, funding, and personnel, as well as regulatory exceptions. Additionally, the bill legally specifies improvements in living conditions, including housing, education, and childcare, for public officials and employees who need to move to Busan due to the transfer.
The union's opposition has also been partially alleviated. On the 17th, Jeon Jae-soo, a nominee for Minister of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, visited the Chairperson of the National Public Service Employees Union's Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries branch, who was on a hunger strike in front of the National Assembly, and successfully urged the end of the hunger strike. The union's opposition had been regarded as the biggest obstacle to the progress of the transfer.
In some quarters, a bill to expand the functions of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries is also being promoted. Lawmaker Kim Do-oup from the People Power Party has officially proposed a revision to the Government Organization Act aimed at establishing a 'Vice Minister for Fisheries' to strengthen fisheries-related policies.
The Busan city government plans to hold the first meeting of the policy consultative body for the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries transfer early this week and develop relocation measures for approximately 850 public officials from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries.
The consultative body is set to review support measures based on the 19 incentive items provided to employees who relocated to Busan during the first public institution transfer, including ▲ five types of tax support ▲ scholarship incentives for children's enrollment ▲ special supply of apartments ▲ a relocation subsidy of 1 million won ▲ spouse re-employment and education assistance.
The Busan city government has indicated that it will initiate substantial support once the amendment of existing laws or the enactment of special laws is completed.