Speaking at the 26th people's livelihood debate meeting, held at Yeungnam University's Gyeongsan Campus, Yoon described the city as "the high-tech manufacturing innovation hub of Northeast Asia". He added: "Based on the potential that led to the country's modernisation, the central government will provide active support so that Gyeongbuk can take a greater leap forward and open a successful regional era.
"For Gyeongbuk to take a leap forward, innovation in industrial structure is more important than anything else. Gyeongbuk previously led South Korea's exports through its steel and textile industries. Currently, we are discovering and promoting new growth engines, such as hydrogen and bio. The government will firmly support Gyeongbuk’s industrial innovation."
Yoon announced the government will support the creation of an SMR national industrial complex worth KRW300 billion (USD216 million) in Gyeongju "so that we can preemptively secure the small module reactor and SMR manufacturing technology that is being competitively developed around the world".
He said the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy will create a fund worth KRW80 billion by next year to support the growth of the country's nuclear power sector.
"We will actively support the construction of infrastructure, including technology development and prototype production, so that Gyeongbuk can clearly grow its SMR manufacturing capabilities and grow into a global SMR manufacturing hub," Yoon stated.
