Incheon announces new commissioner of the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority

Kim Jin-young speaks at an event to mark his appointment as commissioner of the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority at the G-Tower in Songdo, Incheon, on Wednesday. [INCHEON METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT]

Incheon city government announced Wednesday its appointment of Kim Jin-young as the commissioner of the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority.

This will be Kim’s second time serving in the position, having served from September 2017 to April 2019 as the commissioner of the authority, which is the administrative body operating the Incheon Free Economic Zone.

Kim was re-appointed to the job for his achievements, the city government said, including those made during his previous leadership at the authority such as normalizing business for a key urban development company in Songdo, Incheon, so it can work on the Songdo International Business District.

“Kim is also recognized for his role in providing the foundation for the development of the Songdo Bio Cluster,” said the Incheon city government in its statement on Wednesday, referring to an area in Songdo that has focused on attracting biotech companies from around the world.

The main roles of the commissioner of the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority includes establishing development plans for the free economic zone and surrounding areas, attracting foreign investment into the zone, and promoting exchanges with cities abroad.

“I hope that you will reach out to the citizens first and actively communicate with them, so that the free economic zone can be a first-class city,” said Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok in appointing Kim on Wednesday, according to the city government.

Kim in his acceptance speech expressed his gratitude for the re-appointment, adding that he will do his best to further develop the zone as a global business hub.

BY ESTHER CHUNG [chung.juhee@joongang.co.kr]