Kim Visits Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation
Promises to Improve Agricultural Product Distribution Structure
Kim Byungki, acting leader and floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated on July 16 regarding efforts to overcome the record-breaking heatwave-driven surge in prices (heatflation), "We will work to activate proven price stabilization measures, such as improving distribution structures and expanding online distribution."
On the morning of the same day, Kim visited the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) Center in Yangjae-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul, and said, "It is said that a single watermelon is nearing 30,000 won and a head of cabbage has exceeded 4,000 won. Stabilizing grocery and table prices is an urgent task for restoring the people's livelihood economy," emphasizing his stance.
He highlighted the activation of online wholesale markets as a key factor in overcoming heatflation and stabilizing food prices. Kim stated, "Online wholesale markets are a core platform that reduces distribution stages and increases price transparency. By directly connecting producers at the source with consumers, they guarantee producers' profits and reduce consumers' burdens."
He continued, "However, the systems needed for activation are still insufficient. Efforts such as enacting and revising relevant laws are required," adding, "As the ruling party, the Democratic Party will take the lead in price stabilization and distribution innovation."
Kim also visited the Coupang Seocho 1 Camp logistics center in Yangjae-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul, to inspect the implementation of heatwave countermeasures for on-site workers. Previously, at the Supreme Council meeting the day before, Kim had stated, "We will prepare and promote party-level measures, including legislation, to establish the '2 hours work, 20 minutes rest' principle."
At the logistics center, Kim said, "Especially around July 8, which was the hottest day so far this year, there were even fatal accidents involving farmers, delivery workers, and construction workers," calling it "truly regrettable." He added, "Heatwaves must be treated as disasters that threaten the lives and safety of the people, and proactive responses are needed. Above all, it is important to ensure that safety measures and protocols are properly followed at worksites."
The Coupang Seocho 1 Camp logistics center that Kim visited was reported to have properly implemented preventive measures against heat-related worker damage, such as installing cooling equipment. A Democratic Party official explained, "We are checking how heatwave-related facilities should be installed to suit the working environment and what needs to be done to expand these measures to other sites as well."
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