[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Kim Hyewon] Prime Minister Han Duck-soo said on the 30th regarding the delay in the passage of the 'Comprehensive Real Estate Tax Relief Bill for Single-Homeowners,' "I hope Lee Jae-myung, the new leader, receives reports on all issues of the Democratic Party of Korea and also on the Planning and Finance Committee matters to strengthen the decision."
At a press briefing held at the Government Sejong Complex on the same day, Prime Minister Han stated, "Looking at one aspect of people's livelihood, the comprehensive real estate tax must be approved without question by today."
Prime Minister Han said, "Some view this negatively as a tax cut for the wealthy, but it is the same as the Democratic Party of Korea's proposal encouraging single-homeownership," adding, "It must pass quickly. If it is left untouched, 500,000 people will be confused." He continued, "Leader Lee has stated that he will cooperate on matters concerning people's livelihood," urging Lee to make a decision. Prime Minister Han has a scheduled meeting with Leader Lee on the morning of the 1st of next month.
When asked about when additional easing of quarantine guidelines, such as lifting the mandatory COVID-19 PCR tests for overseas arrivals, would take place, Prime Minister Han replied, "We are reviewing it intensively. It seems it will be decided before Chuseok. It could happen sooner than expected."
Regarding the pressure on public utility rates due to rising international oil prices, he said, "We will discuss this winter's energy measures at next week's economic affairs meeting."
Concerning the bid for the Busan World Expo (Busan Expo), Prime Minister Han explained, "Representative Seo Byung-soo (People Power Party) visited three Central Asian countries as a special envoy of the president, and Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong of Samsung Electronics is persuading for the bid during his business trip to Europe, all strategically and meticulously planned." He added, "There was also an idea from Choi Tae-won, chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, to start the Busan Expo quickly in metaverse platforms like Naver Zepeto."
Regarding the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which excluded Korean electric vehicles from subsidy eligibility, he said, "It is American protectionism," and added, "If it is formally enforced, we will negotiate more strongly with the U.S. government."
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