(LEAD) Moon upbeat about South Jeolla Province's development, making 'economy tour'

(ATTN: ADDS Moon's visit to Naju in last paras)

SEOUL, July 12 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in traveled to South Jeolla Province on Friday as part of his tours of non-Seoul areas aimed at helping boost local economies and balanced growth.

He received a briefing from provincial authorities on their "Blue Economy" vision at the provincial government office in Muan County.

Gov. Kim Yung-rok presented five projects for the sustainable development of the province, located in the southwestern swathe of the country: Blue Energy, Blue Tour, Blue Bio, Blue Transport and Blue City. The province is also called Jeolla Namdo, or Jeonnam.

Addressing a related ceremony later in the day, Moon expressed optimism about the initiative.

He said, "'Blue Economy' is expected to become a 'blue chip' for the development of Jeonnam and the economic vigor of the Republic of Korea."

The province hopes to become a hub of new global energy industries through the projects.

"Jeonnam is leading the new energy industry (of South Korea), ranking first in the generation of renewable energy," the president said.

It also has huge environmental potential for the use of solar energy and wind power, he noted.

"I am convinced that it will become the epicenter of the Republic of Korea's energy to cover not only traditional energy resources but also new ones," Moon said.

Moon then headed to Naju, a major city in the province, where he was briefed on its own ambitious goal of becoming a "global energy industry hub." He visited Bitgaram Observatory.

Naju is pushing for the Bitgaram Innovation City project, taking advantage of its infrastructure. It houses the headquarters of Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) and 15 other public firms.

KEPCO plans to set up a technology college and campus there as well.

Bitgaram is a pure Korean word that conjures up light flowing through the town, according to city officials.

Moon's visit to the province marked his 10th regional economy tour since he started the program in October last year.

Moon has been crisscrossing the nation as part of an economy tour program. He previously visited North Jeolla Province, North Gyeongsang Province, South Gyeongsang Province, Ulsan, Daejeon, Busan, Daegu, Gangwon Province and North Chungcheong Province.

lcd@yna.co.kr
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