Seoul: The government of South Korea has officially designated the enhancement of the maritime industry, particularly in anticipation of future Arctic shipping routes, along with the growth of food exports, as key national policy tasks. This strategic direction was confirmed by officials during a Cabinet meeting, emphasizing these goals among 123 policy tasks under the administration of President Lee Jae Myung.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries is taking significant steps to position South Korea as a prominent maritime power in the anticipated era of Arctic shipping routes. This includes relocating its headquarters to Busan, a major port city located about 330 kilometers southeast of Seoul, by the end of the year. The goal is to establish Busan as a global maritime hub for northern routes, which are expected to become more accessible as Arctic ice continues to melt due to global warming. The ministry plans to attract major shipping companies and related public institutions to the city to facilitate this transformation.
Furthermore, the government has decided to support the agriculture sector as a strategic national industry, aiming to increase food exports to $15 billion by 2030. Last year, South Korea exported $9.98 billion worth of food products, a record figure driven by the global popularity of Korean culture, marking a 9 percent increase from the previous year. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs is spearheading efforts to reach this ambitious target.