President Lee Jae-myung stated, "We must accelerate the economic transformation in the second half of the year," adding, "Please join forces so that this year is remembered as the first year of our leap toward an irreplaceable Republic of Korea, with a potential growth rate of 3%, a ranking among the world's top 4 trade powers, and a per capita income of $50,000."

President Lee presented these economic goals during his opening remarks at a cabinet meeting he presided over at the presidential office.

Regarding the goal of becoming a "top 4 trade power," he explained, "Exports in the first half of this year are showing explosive growth, nearing $500 billion. With semiconductors leading the growth, exports of other items have also increased by 16% compared to the previous year," adding, "Becoming one of the world's top 4 trade powers is no longer an impossible goal."

He continued, "Based on the remarkable export performance and the increase in facility investment, there are consecutive forecasts that the real growth rate will reach 3% this year," and emphasized, "We must concentrate all our efforts on stabilizing prices and real estate, which are directly linked to the lives of the people, and gradually raise the potential growth rate to 3% by fostering growth engines for super-gap and super-innovation."

He further encouraged officials, saying, "In particular, the central government, local governments, and businesses must work as one to realize the three major mega-projects, which are the core of this effort," and added, "Please proceed with related procedures as quickly as possible with the mindset that saving one day now can earn us ten or 100 days in the future."

At the same time, President Lee stated, "We must also focus on resolving the structural problems of our society. We need to provide a multi-layered growth ladder for young people in terms of jobs, housing, assets, and capacity development, and accelerate innovation in the finance, regulations, and capabilities of public institutions, along with narrowing the gap in the labor market." He further stressed, "The next 30 years of the Republic of Korea will depend on what kind of achievements we make in the second half of this year."

President Lee introduced the achievements of recent diplomatic schedules, including the NATO summit and his state visit to Mongolia, saying, "The prosperity of the Republic of Korea cannot be achieved by economic power alone."

President Lee ordered, "A new horizon for global cooperation has opened in the defense industry and high-tech sectors, and there have been significant achievements in securing supply chains for key minerals," and added, "Relevant ministries should swiftly implement follow-up measures so that these fruits can provide practical benefits to the lives of the people and our economy."

He continued, "For the greater leap and sustainable growth of the Republic of Korea, a more stable and peaceful world order must be supported. Although the world order is very unstable, our government will unwaveringly fulfill its given roles and responsibilities as a global responsible power based on pragmatic diplomacy centered on national interest," he promised.

Regarding the fact that the third anniversary of the Osong underpass disaster is one day away, he said, "I understand that North Chungcheong Province is actively holding memorial events starting this year. It is truly regrettable that it took three years for this obvious task to happen."

President Lee added, "The state must always thoroughly prepare for all disasters that threaten the lives and safety of the people," and, "We must never allow any small gap in protecting the lives of the people. When it comes to safety issues, it is better to be excessive than insufficient."

(Photo: Yonhap News)