The government’s Southeast Region Advanced Shipbuilding & Shipping Growth Engine initiative will be driven by the "3X" framework: Green Transition (GX), Manufacturing AI Transition (AX), and Smart Transition (SX). Participants discussed linkage measures between the growth engine project and the 7 major policy support packages.
Busan plans to secure national budget allocations for 2027 to ensure the smooth implementation of the project, jointly responding with Ulsan, Gyeongnam, and anchor enterprises to substantiate project necessity and investment effects.

The Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor Jeon Jae-soo) announced on October 21 that it co-hosted the "5-Pole 3-Special Zone Southeast Region Shipbuilding Industry Anchor Enterprise Roundtable" with Ulsan City, Gyeongnam Province, the Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Industry Research Institute (KOSHIPA), and major domestic shipbuilders at Shilla Stay Seobusan.

The roundtable was organized to establish a growth engine fostering strategy linked with the 2027 Southeast Region Advanced Shipbuilding & Shipping Research and Development (R&D) project, and to discuss ways to connect anchor enterprises' investment plans with the government's 7 major policy support packages.

The event brought together approximately 30 experts and stakeholders, including representatives from local governments in the Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam (Bu-Ul-Gyeong) region, the Korea Research Institute of Ships and Ocean Engineering (KRISO), the Busan Technopark, major domestic shipbuilders (the "Big Three"), mid-sized shipyards, shipbuilding equipment manufacturers, and related institutions. Participating anchor enterprises included HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Samsung Heavy Industries, Hanwha Ocean, HJ Shipbuilding & Construction, and KSP.

Last August 26, the central government unveiled the "5-Pole 3-Special Region Regional Growth Engines," designating four growth engines for the Southeast region: Advanced Shipbuilding & Shipping, Aerospace & Defense, Future Mobility Manufacturing, and Next-Generation Nuclear Power & Energy. Following this, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) launched the "Regional-Led Growth Engine Council" on September 7, introducing 7 major policy support packages and guidelines to bolster anchor enterprises' local investments.

Among these initiatives, the Southeast Region Advanced Shipbuilding & Shipping Growth Engine project will be built upon the "3X" pillars: Green Transition (GX), Manufacturing AI Transition (AX), and Smart Transition (SX). Over the past year, authorities have formulated a three-pronged package covering R&D, infrastructure, and workforce training alongside 3X anchor enterprises. The ultimate goal is to establish the region as a Global AI Shipbuilding Ocean Capital (G-ASOC).

During the roundtable, participants shared corporate investment plans and discussed strategies to link the Southeast Region Advanced Shipbuilding & Shipping Growth Engine project with the 7 major policy support packages. They examined support demands required throughout the corporate investment process and explored measures to translate government backing into tangible business investments. In addition, based on the investment intentions and plans of each anchor enterprise, the meeting gathered policy recommendations concerning regulations, fiscal and tax policies, finance, and living environments.

Busan City plans to secure national budget funds for 2027 to facilitate the smooth execution of the advanced shipbuilding and shipping growth engine project. The city will work in close cooperation with Ulsan City, Gyeongnam Province, and anchor enterprises to substantiate the project’s necessity and economic impact through joint responses.

Kim Dong-hyun, Director-General of Busan’s AI Industry Innovation Bureau, stated, "This roundtable was a meaningful occasion to materialize the Southeast Region’s advanced shipbuilding and shipping growth engine by combining the industrial capabilities of Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam with the investments of anchor enterprises. Focusing on green, manufacturing AI, and smart transitions, we will foster an industrial ecosystem where businesses and local communities grow together, while working closely with local governments and anchor enterprises to ensure the smooth launch and budget acquisition for the project in 2027."

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