Members of the National Assembly’s Trade, Industry, Energy, SMEs, and Startups Committee recently visited Jeju to look into the province's proposal for the designation of a so-called “Blockchain Industrial Zone." Joseph Kim reports.

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Members of the National Assembly’s trade committee visit Jeju

Audits of the provincial office have been made by the Trade, Industry, Energy, SMES, and Startups Committee of the National Assembly.

This time, the parliamentary audits are not aimed to distinguish between right and wrong.

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Province briefs lawmakers on blockchain proposal

The provincial office explained what it is proposing to Seoul to the committee members.

After the briefing, the lawmakers request for a distinguishing way to manage the proposed Blockchain Industrial Zone, as provinces and cities on the mainland and in other countries are preparing for similar industrial zone designations.

Recording
Lee Jong-bae / Trade, Industry, Energy, SMEs, and Startups Committee
I think Jeju's proposed Blockchain Industrial Zone should offer something that other areas can’t.
씽크)이종배 의원/국회 산자위
제주만의 특화된, 차별화된 것들을 운영돼야 하지 않을까 생각됩니다.

Recording
Baek Jae-hyeon / Trade, Industry, Energy, SMEs, and Startups Committee
This new concept includes uncertain risk factors. That means it could pay off big and Jeju could end up being a world leader in the field if it’s a success.
씽크)백재현 의원/국회 산자위
통 크게, 더 도전적으로, 더 위험요소가 따르지만 어쩌면 그게 대박을 낼 수 있고 세계를 끌고 갈 수 있는 기회일수도 있다고 봐요.

Concerns are also expressed.

Seoul has not yet provided guidelines for establishing blockchain industrial zones.

Lawmakers say the island goes far ahead of the national government.

They point out that the island's industrial zone creation plan is provider-centered, not resident-friendly and the province takes no interest in the development of human resources for the zone.

They also advised that public opinion about the industrial zone should be measured and consensus be first formed among area residents.

Recording
Park Jeong / Trade, Industry, Energy, SMEs, and Startups Committee
Seoul has plans to boost the blockchain industry, but it has not yet issued guidelines for the zones. Jeju's cryptocurrency plans are far ahead of the national government’s.
씽크)박 정 의원/국회 산자위
(정부에서) 가이드라인을 내놓지도 않았는데 블록체인을 활성화한다는 계획은 있지만 암호화폐까지 가는건…

Recording
Jo Bae-suk / Trade, Industry, Energy, SMEs, and Startups Committee
Jeju's plans focus only on administrative preparations. The industrial zone would amount to little unless it is supported by residents.
씽크)조배숙 의원/국회 산자위
행정적인 것에만 적용하는 걸로만 돼 있어요. 이렇게 된다면 특구로서의 의미가 크지 않지 않겠느냐는 생각이 들고요.

Recording
Wi Seong-gon / Trade, Industry, Energy, SMEs, and Startups Committee
Consensus among islanders is critical. I believe their opinions should direct the planning for the industrial zone.
씽크)위성곤 의원 / 국회 산자위
우선적으로 도민들과의 공감대가 매우 중요하고, 도민들이 이 사업에 대해 어떻게 인식하고 바라보느냐에 따라 이 사업이 결정돼야 할 것 같은데요...

Governor Won Heeryong responded that his office is making preparations for distinctive blockchain projects from other regions’.

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Governor says Jeju preparing for distinctive blockchain projects

He added that he will try to draw consensus and develop projects to positively impact people’s lives.

[Reporter] Joseph Kim
[Camera] Park Byeong-joon

Won is officially applying for the designation of Jeju as a Blockchain Industrial Zone in May, next year.

Joseph Kim, KCTV