Prime Minister Jeong: "51 Trillion Won Investment Over 5 Years to Improve Quality of Life for Farmers and Fishermen"

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun is speaking at the Cabinet meeting held at the Government Seoul Office Building on the 28th. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun stated on the 19th, "Our rural farming and fishing communities still face various challenges and issues that need to be addressed," adding, "The government has prepared the 4th Basic Plan, investing a total of 51 trillion won over five years to resolve these issues."

On the same day, Prime Minister Chung presided over the 19th Committee for Improving the Quality of Life of Farmers and Fishermen held at the Government Seoul Office, stating, "We will discuss the 4th Basic Plan for Improving the Quality of Life of Farmers and Fishermen, a five-year plan from this year through 2024, as well as the revision of rural service standards."

To this end, he emphasized, "We will accelerate improvements in living conditions to prevent regional depopulation and create rural areas where people gather," adding, "Not only the middle-aged generation but also the younger generation, who will be responsible for our future, should not avoid farming and fishing or rural life due to insufficient infrastructure."

He also expressed, "We will dramatically increase education, culture, childcare, and housing infrastructure to create an environment where the nation guarantees a minimum quality of life anywhere in rural farming and fishing areas."

Furthermore, he promised, "We will strengthen the future competitiveness of rural farming and fishing communities and increase added value through agricultural and fishery innovation," adding, "To expand smart farming and fishing, we will increase support for ICT facilities and utilization education, pioneer export markets, improve logistics systems, and strengthen on-site support systems to aid exports."

He continued, "We will work to create a virtuous cycle system where the environmental and ecological values of rural farming and fishing communities are enjoyed by all citizens, and where urban and rural areas can develop simultaneously."

Prime Minister Chung stated, "Improving the quality of life in rural farming and fishing communities is not only for farmers and fishermen," and urged, "If rural areas become better places to live, it could be a key to solving national issues such as urban population dispersion, balanced national development, and mitigating the low birthrate trend."