The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced that it will invite applications for the designation of new specialized complexes for national advanced strategic industries in the fields of robots, defense, and secondary batteries starting from the 16th. This designation aims to secure a competitive edge in the newly added fields of robots and defense, and to strengthen the supply chain in the secondary battery sector.
The designation of specialized complexes for robots and defense aims to create a manufacturing ecosystem for humanoids (robots) and advanced aircraft engines (defense), which were newly designated as national advanced strategic industries this year. For secondary batteries, the plan is to designate specialized complexes that focus on the production of basic raw materials to complete the full-cycle value chain, in connection with existing specialized complexes in Cheongju (cells), Ulsan (cells), Pohang (cathode materials), and Saemangeum (precursors and recycling).
Heads of central administrative agencies, metropolitan mayors and governors, and related companies in strategic industries wishing to designate specialized complexes can submit relevant documents, including a development plan, by February 27 next year. The Ministry will review the submitted documents with an expert advisory group and a preliminary review and evaluation by the specialized complex subcommittee, and then designate the complexes in the second half of next year after deliberation and resolution by the National Advanced Strategic Industry Committee chaired by the Prime Minister.
Additionally, an explanatory session on the designation of specialized complexes will be held in January next year to provide guidance on the requirements and procedures for designation and the preparation of development plans.