[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] President Moon Jae-in virtually apologized regarding the large-scale COVID-19 outbreak in the Cheonghae Unit, stating that it is "difficult to avoid criticism that the response was complacent." While humbly accepting the criticism, President Moon urged that the vaccination and quarantine situations of other overseas deployed military units and embassy staff be carefully monitored as well.
In his opening remarks at the Cabinet meeting on the morning of the 20th, President Moon said, "Although our military responded by promptly sending a military transport plane to bring all personnel back, it is insufficient in the eyes of the public, and it is difficult to avoid criticism that the response was complacent."
President Moon added, "While humbly accepting such criticism, I ask that thorough measures be taken for treatment and other actions, and that other overseas deployed military units be reviewed once again. Also, I hope that safety measures for citizens in blind spots of vaccination, such as embassy staff, will be devised together."
Regarding the Cheonghae Unit members returning to the country that day, he said, "I hope that the unit members receive diligent treatment and recover quickly," and urged, "Please do your best in COVID-19 prevention with the belief that the safety of our soldiers is directly linked to national security."
He also emphasized the necessity of a "low-carbon economic transition." Referring to the recent global trend of strengthening environmental regulations, President Moon said, "If it cannot be avoided, we must face it confidently and take the lead," and added, "At the national level, we must meticulously prepare to raise greenhouse gas reduction targets and the 2050 carbon neutrality scenario, implement them more swiftly, and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy."
He continued, "We must promptly establish a public-private joint strategy to precisely examine the impact of changes in the international trade environment on domestic industries and respond proactively. If we fully utilize our strengths such as the world's most advanced hydrogen economy, world-class battery and electric vehicle/hydrogen vehicle technologies, and eco-friendly shipbuilding industry, we can turn crises into opportunities and further enhance national competitiveness," he forecasted.
Meanwhile, marking the 4th anniversary of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups next week, President Moon evaluated, "The Ministry of SMEs and Startups, the only newly established ministry under our government, is the root and center of our economy, supporting the management stability of self-employed businesses and SMEs, and has played a significant role in digital transformation and enhancing competitiveness." He also mentioned that venture companies and startups have become the main players ushering in the KOSPI 3000 era and the KOSDAQ 1000 era.
He also mentioned plans to support loss compensation for small business owners and self-employed persons who have been left behind amid the growth of SMEs and ventures. President Moon said, "We have continuously provided disaster relief funds such as the New Hope Fund, the Support Fund, and the Support Fund Plus, and through the Hope Recovery Fund in this supplementary budget, we plan to provide broad and substantial support," adding, "Furthermore, we will ensure more systematic support according to the institutionalized Loss Compensation Act." Based on the 'Regional Commercial Coexistence Act' and the 'Regional SME Promotion Act' to be promulgated at this Cabinet meeting, he also expressed expectations for the spread of a culture of coexistence and cooperation within local commercial districts.
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