To discuss the special law on mega special zones, the Democratic Party of Korea and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources will hold a closed-door party-government consultation on the 8th.
According to political circles and the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MOTI) on the 7th, Democratic Party lawmakers on the Trade. Industry Energy. SMEs. and Startups Committee plan to hold a party-government consultation with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources at the National Assembly on the morning of the 8th. Although it is in the form of a work report ahead of the full-fledged operation of the committee, it is effectively expected to proceed as a party-government consultation.
An official at the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MOTI) said, "We plan to report on pending issues such as the megaproject, the five hubs and three special engines for growth, and investment in the United States," and added, "Because we will address the megaproject, the special law is also highly likely to be on the agenda. All key bureau directors will attend." A Democratic Party official also said, "There is the special law on mega special zones, and there are bills that are backlogged," and explained, "Starting on the 8th, we are in a situation where we need to work hard on party-government consultations." Beginning with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) also has a work report scheduled on the 9th.
The special law on mega special zones is a bill to support the government's "three major megaprojects," including the Honam semiconductor initiative. The Democratic Party plans to create a special law to support corporations investing in semiconductors, physical AI, and AI data centers, and to revise the Framework Act on Water Management, the Water Supply and Waterworks Installation Act, and the Industrial Sites and Development Act.
In particular, the party and the government are signaling a "speed battle" to pass the special law on mega special zones. Floor leader Han Byeong-do said at a floor countermeasures meeting that day, "President Lee Jae-myung emphasized a speed battle for the megaproject," adding, "The Democratic Party will also swiftly form a special committee to firmly support legislation and the budget."
The special law on mega special zones has not yet been released in draft form by the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MOTI). It is expected to include various tax deductions and tax benefits for corporations moving into the mega special zones, special investment subsidies for corporations, reductions in levies, and reduced rents for state-owned and publicly owned land. There have also been reports that exceptions to the 52-hour workweek are being considered.
A Democratic Party lawmaker on the committee said, "Lawmakers have strong interest in the special law on mega special zones. I think it will proceed in a format where the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MOTI) explains relevant details when lawmakers ask questions," adding, "Since there are many lawmakers from the Honam region on the committee, we will speed up the legislation."