KOR
▲ President Lee Jae-myung speaks during the public-private joint inspection meeting for mega projects held at the Presidential Office on July 6.
President Lee Jae-myung emphasized today (July 6) regarding the government's recently announced 3 Mega Projects, stating, "I want to reiterate that speed is absolutely essential."
During his opening remarks at the Public-Private Joint Inspection Meeting for Mega Projects held at the Presidential Office today, President Lee stated, "We are in an all-out competition (in the high-tech industry) that involves the national fortune, and in such a situation, the outcome is decided by who is faster."
He ordered, "The government must proactively resolve all anticipated obstacles so that companies can focus solely on investment and working in the field," adding, "There must absolutely be no delays in investment or execution due to administrative procedural delays."
He continued, "In the case of the Yongin industrial complex, it took six years from site confirmation to the start of construction, even though it was considered fast. By my standards, that does not seem fast."
In particular, President Lee said, "Since delays in compensation lead to more time being consumed, we must prevent such things from happening," and added, "Environmental impact assessments are necessary, but if there is one already done for the same area, is it really necessary to do it again? It is important to utilize existing results."
Furthermore, he suggested, "While it is common to proceed with administrative procedures sequentially—A, then B, C, and D—I would like for all procedures to be carried out in parallel, as long as it is not illegal."
Specifically, he gave an example, saying, "In the process of land acquisition, if there is 'land speculation' (holding out for higher prices), it takes a lot of time for negotiations. We can start the negotiated acquisition and compulsory acquisition procedures at the same time. That is the original intent of the law."
He also added, "For power or water supply, it would be good to secure them proactively rather than waiting for other issues to be resolved."
President Lee said, "As local governments are responsible for a significant portion of permits and approvals, their will is also very important. I am very grateful that the Gwangju-Jeonnam Metropolitan City Council enacted an ordinance for semiconductor investment companies as its first ordinance."
In addition, he promised, "We will quickly form a dedicated team for mega projects within the Presidential Office," and added, "The government will do its utmost. As there has been a significant surplus in tax revenue in the semiconductor industry sector, we will provide all support, including financial assistance."
He also actively refuted some criticisms regarding the 3 Mega Projects.
President Lee asked, "Some people, assuming the project is feasible, protest by asking 'Why was our region left out?', while others on the other side claim it is a 'scam' or an 'impossible event.' I don't understand," and added, "Is it right for public officials in charge of the nation's affairs to take such an attitude?"
He pointed out, "I wish they would do just one—either criticize on the premise that it is impossible, or point out imbalances on the premise that it is possible," and added, "Even if they cannot cooperate to the fullest in creating new opportunities for struggling youth, I hope they do not hinder it significantly."
Meanwhile, the meeting today was attended by Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik, Policy Chief Kim Yong-beom, National Security Office Chief Wi Sung-lac, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Koo Yoon-cheol, Minister of Industry and Trade Kim Jung-kwan, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Kim Yoon-duck, Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment Kim Sung-hwan, Minister of Education Choi Gyo-jin, Minister of Planning and Budget Park Hong-keun, and Minister of National Defense Ahn Gyu-back.
Representing the companies, Samsung Electronics President Kim Yong-kwan and SK Hynix CEO Kwak Noh-jung were in attendance.
President Lee emphasized, "Today, we must organize the implementation system and discuss and finalize the site selection in detail," and added, "Those from the companies, please stop with the formalities or abstract talk and tell us specifically what is needed. To gain speed, we must approach historical tasks clearly, not vaguely."
(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.
Video News