"Review of Major Industry Issues with Significant Ripple Effects... Establishing Cooperation Measures with the U.S."
Choi Sang-mok, Acting President and Deputy Prime Minister as well as Minister of Strategy and Finance, announced on the 6th that in response to the uncertainty surrounding the launch of Trump’s second term just two weeks away, he will preside over a weekly Foreign Economic Issues Meeting attended by relevant government ministers.
Acting President Choi presided over the Foreign Economic Issues Meeting at the Government Seoul Office and stated, "The government is determined to overcome uncertainties this year as our economy resolves them, and we will devote all efforts to overcoming uncertainties and managing our economy as stably as possible."
The meeting was attended by Cho Tae-yeol, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bang Ki-seon, Director of the Office for Government Policy Coordination, Park Seong-taek, First Vice Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, and Jeong In-gyo, Director-General for Trade at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
Acting President Choi pointed out, "This year, due to the domestic political situation and the inauguration of the new U.S. administration, the internal and external uncertainties of our economy are expected to expand significantly. There are also domestic and international concerns that there may be gaps in responding to economic uncertainties in this serious situation."
He added, "I will personally preside over the weekly Foreign Economic Issues Meetings to systematically review foreign economic issues such as the inauguration of the new U.S. administration, share them with economic actors, and respond proactively."
Regarding the launch of Trump’s second administration, he said, "Before the new administration takes office, we plan to review industry-specific issues that have a significant impact on our economy and prepare cooperation measures with the U.S. administration from the perspective of enhancing national interests," and emphasized, "Immediately after the inauguration, we will mobilize all available means to communicate and consult closely with the new U.S. administration."
He continued, "Through this, we will thoroughly manage external uncertainties so that they do not hinder investment and employment by our companies or exacerbate difficulties in people’s livelihoods."
Acting President Choi stated, "Historically, there have been turning points that determine national power and wealth. The situation we are facing now is exactly that moment," and mentioned, "The government will do its utmost with relevant ministries and the private sector as one team to ensure a smooth landing of our economy in the new trade environment and stabilize people’s livelihoods based on strong diplomacy and security."
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