2. Reason for Proposal
The port technology industry is an essential element of the composition and operation of ports, which are supply chain hubs, and is a key industry directly related to reducing logistics costs and promoting economic security. However, compared to advanced countries in the port industry, such as the USA and China, or other new domestic industries, the related institutional strategies are insufficient. Accordingly, with the enactment of the Act on the Promotion of and Support for the Port Technology Industry (Act No. 20135; promulgated on January 23, 2024), the Enforcement Decree aims to establish the matters delegated by the law, such as promotion of technology development and commercialization of the port technology industry, administrative and financial support, and other matters necessary for its enforcement.
3. Main Contents
A. Port technology industry and port technology industry business operators (Article 2 of the draft).
The Enforcement Decree defines the port technology industry as industries related to loading and unloading facilities and their parts, application software industries related to port operation, industries related to wired and wireless communication networks and sensors for supporting port operation, and research and development and education related industries related to the above; and defines the operators of port technology industry business as business operators, government-funded research institutes, special research institutes, schools, port authorities, etc. that manage businesses related to the port technology industry.
B. Important changes to the port technology industry promotion plan, etc. (Article 3 of the draft).
The Enforcement Decree stipulates that any changes to the basic goals and the direction of promotion of the port technology industry must be reviewed by the Central Port Policy Control; the designation of pilot project areas must be included in the promotion plan; and the promotion plan must be announced in the Official Gazette and posted on the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries’ website when it is established.
C. Survey and compilation/management of statistics (Article 4 of the draft)
The Enforcement Decree specifies the details of surveys and statistics, the cycle of establishing surveys and the compilation/management of statistics, and the possibility of requesting surveys/research when necessary.
D. Expense support for professional training institutions (Article 5 of the draft)
The Enforcement Decree specifies cases in which all or a part of the expenses of professional training institutions may be supported.
E. Designation of professional training institutions, etc. (Article 6 of the draft)
The Enforcement Decree specifies the procedures and criteria for being designated as a professional training institution and public notices in the case of designation or cancellation of designation.
F. Designation of specialized institutions for the port technology industry (Article 7 of the draft).
The Enforcement Decree specifies the procedures and criteria for being designated as a specialized institution for the port technology industry and public notices in cases of designation or cancellation of designation.
G. Scope of port area or port hinterland (Article 8 of the draft)
The Enforcement Decree specifies the specific scope of port areas or port hinterland areas as delegated by Article 11, Article 12, and Article 14 (1) of the Act.
H. Targets subject to port facility usage fee reduction, etc. (Article 8 of the draft)
The Enforcement Decree specifies the target for reduction of all or a part of port facility usage fees and stipulates that the Harbor Act shall apply to details related to reduction.
I. Targets subject to eased port hinterland occupancy qualifications, etc. (Article 10 of the draft).
The Enforcement Decree specifies the targets to which eased port hinterland occupancy qualifications may be applied.
J. Designation of pilot project areas, etc. (Article 11 of the draft).
The Enforcement Decree specifies the requirements for designation as pilot project areas.
K. Delegation of work (Article 12 of the draft).
The Enforcement Decree specifies work that can be delegated to business associations under Article 16 of the Act and specialized institutions under Article 10 of the Act.
