Yoon to UAE-Accompanying Businesspeople: "I Will Carry You on My Back"

Business Leaders Encouragement Dinner in Abu Dhabi
"$30 Billion Is an Achievement Made by Entrepreneurs"

[Abu Dhabi=Asia Economy Reporter Baek Kyunghwan] President Yoon Suk-yeol, who is on a state visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), stated on the 17th (local time) to domestic businesspeople, "If there are any difficulties or unreasonable issues, please feel free to speak up." President Yoon emphasized that the government and companies are "one body" and said, "I will carry you so that you can demonstrate your capabilities and thrive in the global market."

That evening, President Yoon held a dinner with domestic businesspeople accompanying the economic delegation on the UAE tour at a hotel in Abu Dhabi, saying, "During the 2 nights and 3 days in Abu Dhabi, I was able to directly feel the achievements you accomplished through your sweat and passion."

This event was arranged to reiterate President Yoon's determination to focus all diplomatic efforts on the economy to the businesspeople. He expressed gratitude to the attendees, saying, "Thank you very much for accompanying our government's first economic delegation," and evaluated the UAE's $30 billion investment as an achievement made by the businesspeople.

In particular, President Yoon said, "The achievements you have created this time will be a signal to open a new Middle East boom." He continued, "The government and companies are one body and one team," adding, "I said I would carry businesspeople who create many jobs on my back, and I will carry South Korean companies so that they can demonstrate their capabilities and thrive in the global market."

He also reiterated the economic cooperation achievements with the UAE. Regarding the Korea-UAE Business Forum and consultation meetings, he evaluated, "We were able to secure new export opportunities in all-around fields such as aerospace, healthcare, smart farms, and cultural content beyond cooperation in the energy sector." Mentioning UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Nahyan and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, he said, "They are promoting industrial diversification in preparation for the post-oil era without oil. New opportunities are opening up for us as well."

He also urged them to report any difficulties in business operations at any time. President Yoon said, "If there are any difficulties or unreasonable issues, please feel free to speak up," adding, "Your success is our country's success, and the way for all citizens to prosper." He further added, "Please do not stop challenging and continue to create new business opportunities. I will also work hard together with you."