Lee: "I Will Support the Expansion of K-Seafood Exports"
Listening to Public Opinion Through East Coast Belt Tour on the 3rd
Lee Jaemyung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, has unveiled a set of pledges aimed at revitalizing the fisheries sector for sustainable development. His plan includes strengthening support for seafood company vouchers and fisheries mutual funds to boost exports of K-Seafood (marine products).
On May 3, Lee announced his "Fisheries Revitalization Pledge" through a post on his Facebook page, stating, "I will turn fishing villages into opportunities for the future." He emphasized the need for special measures to achieve "livable fishing villages" and "vibrant fishing communities," asserting that "we must protect the livelihoods of fishers and ensure the sustainability of our fisheries industry."
As the primary approach, Lee pledged to increase fishers' income and improve settlement conditions. He stated, "I will work to raise the public direct payment for small-scale fishers to support income stability," and added, "By expanding the budget for seafood company vouchers and fostering leading fisheries organizations, we will strengthen the export competitiveness of our marine products." He further noted, "We will also bolster support for processing facilities and fisheries mutual funds to back the expansion of K-Seafood exports."
Additionally, he promised to foster the marine bio industry, expand the leisure and tourism sector, develop integrated marine tourism cities by region, establish marina hubs and leisure vessel clusters, and further specialize fishing village experience and resort villages.
Lee also highlighted measures to develop the fisheries sector in response to the climate crisis. He stated, "We will broaden the coverage of aquaculture disaster insurance and work to make compensation more realistic," and added, "We will push to increase support payments for decommissioning fishing vessels and expand support for aquaculture operators transitioning to new businesses." He also announced plans to promote government support for the smartization of fisheries seed and aquaculture equipment, as well as the distribution of essential aquaculture supplies.
Finally, Lee emphasized his pledge to support the influx of young people into fishing villages. He said, "We will improve the fishing village settlement support program to expand eligibility and consider increasing the amount of settlement support," and added, "By expanding the fishing vessel leasing program, we will reduce the burden of initial settlement costs, such as vessel rental fees." He also stated, "We will simultaneously promote support for fishing gear purchases, vessel and fisheries training, mentoring, and insurance premiums to strengthen youth capabilities."
Lee remarked, "The sea is the foundation of fishers' livelihoods and a treasure trove of hope for Korea's future," adding, "We will inject new vitality into fishing villages and firmly support the lives of fishers."
Meanwhile, on this day, Lee is conducting an East Coast Belt Listening Tour, starting in Sokcho and visiting Yangyang, Gangneung, Samcheok, and Taebaek. The purpose is to listen attentively to the voices of Gangwon Province residents working in the fishing village cooperatives.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
