NAMYANGJU — The city of Namyangju, in Gyeonggi Province, held a cooperation forum on the 12th to expand the role of local companies in its new-town development projects.
The forum is part of a flagship initiative under the current elected administration to transform Namyangju from a residential city into a self-sufficient one with economic and everyday infrastructure. The aim is to boost the local economy by bringing local firms into new-town construction, which draws large public budgets.
About 80 people attended, including Namyangju Mayor Choi Hyun-deok, Deputy Mayor Kim Sang-soo, executives and site managers from major contractors such as Hyundai Engineering & Construction, and officials from the Korea Land & Housing Corporation (LH) and Gyeonggi Housing & Urban Development Corporation (GH).
Participants shared the direction of the new-town projects, heard the on-site difficulties faced by developers and contractors, and focused on practical ways to expand local firms' involvement. The city explained the technical capabilities and readiness of local companies to the contractors and asked for cooperation, including eased criteria for registering as a partner firm.
The city is pursuing 38 construction sections for new-town development in areas including the Wangsuk district, Wangsuk 2 district, Jinjeop 2 district and the Yangjeong Station area. Nineteen major builders are taking part, including Hyundai Engineering & Construction, Keumkwang Enterprise, Ssangyong Engineering & Construction, Daewoo Engineering & Construction, Daekwang Construction, Kyeryong Construction and Dongbu Corporation.
The city has steadily broadened the basis for local firms to participate. After signing a memorandum of understanding on cooperation with local companies in June last year, it discussed specific ways for local specialty builders to take part through "Let's Meet the Mayor," a citizen-participation communication channel, in July this year.
The city plans to open the Wangsuk Partners Center to provide systematic support for local firms' participation. The center will serve as a dedicated channel to help exchange information among developers, contractors and local companies. The city is also considering additional memorandums with the contractors.
"The results of large-scale development projects such as the Wangsuk new town should return to the local community and its residents," Mayor Choi said. "By putting local construction firms, workers, materials and equipment to work on site, we will create a virtuous cycle." He added, "As the major contractors add their weight to cooperation with local firms, the city will be a reliable partner through administrative support such as permits."
