Minister nominee Hwang Jong-woo of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said on the 3rd, "To truly enter the maritime capital region, it is necessary to create a maritime and fisheries cluster in which the public and private sectors work closely together."
Meeting with reporters as he arrived at the hearing preparation office set up at the Busan Port Authority (BPA) in Jungang-dong, Busan, that day, nominee Hwang said, "Within that broader framework, I think the issues of public institution transfer and HMM transfer will be addressed and carried out," and stated accordingly.
He said, "It is necessary to create a virtuous cycle in which the maritime capital strategy and the maritime industry competitiveness enhancement strategy have a positive impact," adding, "I will do my best to lead the era of the Arctic route, make Busan the maritime capital, and foster Busan-Ulsan-South Gyeongsang as the maritime capital region."
Regarding the question about the "background of the appointment," nominee Hwang said, "Having worked at the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) for about 27 years in various posts, I think it was judged that my experience would help lead the era of the Arctic route, foster the maritime capital region, and strengthen the competitiveness of the maritime industry," adding, "Since I am from Busan, I think there is an expectation that I can take on those tasks with more affection and passion than anyone else."
When asked about the top priority after taking office as Minister, he said, "Leading the era of the Arctic route and fully fostering the maritime capital region," adding, "The Middle East situation has occurred, and that is one of the reasons I thought the Arctic route is necessary."
Regarding the "measures for the Middle East situation," he said, "While the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) is operating a 24-hour emergency response system, I understand it is responding with top priority on the safety of our ships and our seafarers," adding, "We must also closely analyze the international supply chain issue and the international logistics network issue and respond so that negative impacts can be minimized."