문대통령 "성과 체감 위해 지역경제 회복 시급"...홍남기 "성과로 말하고 성과로 승부내야"<br /><br />South Korean President Moon Jae-in has said the nation's economy is looking solid at the macro level... but added that indicators regarding people's livelihoods are not looking good.<br />President Moon's new economic chief also expressed the importance of producing tangible economic results in his inauguration speech.<br />Our Ko Roon-hee reports. <br /> A reality check on the country's economy.<br />Chairing the weekly Cabinet meeting at the government complex in Sejong City for the first time, President Moon Jae-in said the issue of revitalizing regional economies is an urgent matter. <br />He said the country's economic growth lies with the regional economies and said there is much that still needs to be resolved.<br />"We've yet to tackle economic polarization and the difficulties faced by small businesses and the self-employed. Regions where traditional industries such as shipbuilding, autos and steelmaking took a hit are suffering as well. Prosperity through inclusive growth cannot be reached without solving such problems."<br />President Moon added that it is important for South Koreans to tangibly feel the economic accomplishments of his administration.<br />And those sentiments were reiterated by the new finance minister Hong Nam-ki.<br />During his inaugural speech, Hong, who also doubles as deputy Prime Minister, said the tangible outcomes will speak for themselves.<br /> He said he will focus on the administration's three major economic tenets: income-led growth, innovative growth and a fair economy,... and said he will not hesitate in making tough calls. <br />In his speech, minister Hong said... he will strengthen communication with the private sector. <br />And when problems occur, he vowed to solve those through dialogue and coordination.<br />When bold action is needed, he promised to not hesitate. <br />Speaking to reporters afterwards, the top economic policymaker said he will prepare a structural reform plan for the country's minimum-wage by the first quarter of next year.<br />And he said he will frequently discuss urgent matters with economy-related ministers... and meet with President Moon's chief of staff for policy, Kim Soo-hyun, every week. <br />Ko Roon-hee, Arirang News.
