Acting President Han: "Korea-U.S. Trade Talks Will Open Path to Mutually Beneficial Solutions Through Dialogue and Cooperation"

Focused Investment in Nuclear Research and Development Budget
"Prompt Execution of Wildfire Relief Support"

Prime Minister Han Ducksoo, Acting President, is speaking at the Cabinet meeting held at the Government Seoul Office Building on the 22nd. Photo by Yonhap News

On the 22nd, Prime Minister Han Ducksoo, who is also serving as Acting President, stated regarding trade consultations with the United States, "I expect that candid dialogue and cooperation between the economic and trade leaders of both countries will pave the way for mutually beneficial solutions."

Presiding over a Cabinet meeting at the Government Seoul Office on this day, Han said, "Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Choi Sangmok, along with Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Ahn Dukgeun, will depart for the United States to discuss trade issues and cooperation projects in areas such as shipbuilding and energy."

The previous day, Han, while chairing a meeting of the Economic Security Strategy Task Force, announced, "At 9 p.m. on April 24 (8 a.m. U.S. time), Deputy Prime Minister Choi and Minister Ahn will hold the 'Korea-U.S. 2+2 Trade Consultation' with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Besent and the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR)."

Focused Investment in Nuclear Research and Development Budget

Han continued, "Last week, there was a remarkable achievement demonstrating significant progress in our country's nuclear technology. I am pleased to share the news that the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute consortium has signed an initial design contract for the Missouri University Research Reactor in the United States." He explained, "This is evidence that scientific and technological cooperation between Korea and the United States is being firmly established, dispelling previous concerns."

Han emphasized, "Going forward, the government will continue to focus investment in the nuclear research and development sector to strengthen Korea's energy security and provide the utmost support so that our companies and researchers can lead global nuclear technology."

He also expressed his expectations, stating, "Based on mutually beneficial trade consultations and expanded scientific and technological cooperation between Korea and the United States, the 'Korea-U.S. alliance,' which has developed into the world's most exemplary alliance over the past 72 years, will evolve into an even stronger partnership that prepares for the future together."

Prime Minister Han Ducksoo, Acting President, is speaking at the Cabinet meeting held at the Government Seoul Office on the 22nd. Photo by Yonhap News

On this day, Han also emphasized the need for regulatory innovation. He said, "Regulatory innovation, which enhances corporate autonomy and stimulates investment motivation while reducing unnecessary burdens on the public, is the surest way to revitalize the people's economy and the most effective policy tool to reduce fiscal burdens." He added, "Even the removal of what may seem like a minor regulation can trigger corporate investment, create quality jobs, and generate national wealth through cutting-edge technology. The butterfly effect of regulatory innovation is greater than we imagine."

"Prompt Execution of Wildfire Relief Support"

Han offered condolences to the families of the victims on the 115th day since the Jeju air passenger plane disaster. He said, "The 'Special Act on Relief and Support for Victims of the 12·29 Air Passenger Plane Disaster' will be promulgated today after Cabinet deliberation," and urged, "Relevant ministries such as the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport must ensure that the provisions of the special law are implemented thoroughly and swiftly in line with its intent, so that they can provide meaningful assistance to the bereaved families. Please take all necessary follow-up measures."

Regarding the large-scale wildfires in the Gyeongbuk, Gyeongnam, and Ulsan regions, Han stated, "Considering the desperate situation of the affected residents, relief measures must be executed as quickly as possible," and added, "A meeting of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters will be convened soon to review the progress of recovery efforts and support measures for residents."

Finally, he noted, "Tomorrow is World Book Day, designated by UNESCO," and promised, "The government will work to revitalize the publishing ecosystem so that everyone involved in book creation?authors, editors, publishers?can receive fair treatment."