Pusan new port construction might be delayed

Pusan new port construction, scheduled to launch this June, is likely to be delayed due to differing views between central government and local authorities in the legal process.

The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries unveiled Feb. 2 that to legislate the port authority, a conference including the Ministry of Planning and Budget, the Ministry of Finance and Economy, the Ministry of Government Administration and Home Affairs, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy, and the Ministry of Labor will meet this month and propose an integrated bill.

The MOMAF will file with the National Congress via a public hearing and discussion with local governments such as Pusan, as well as open publicly if the government confirms a single bill.

Pusan opposed central government action in that the government may violate the self-regulation of the Port Authority as it tries to appoint a president on its own according to its basic regulations.

Even though a single law was confirmed relating to the Port Authority, filing with the National Congress might be postponed due to conflicts in the process with Pusan. If the Port Authority law passes in the National Congress, the real kicking off of port construction seems likely to be late this year or early next year.