Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Ko Yoon-chul chaired the first expanded executive meeting on the 4th, presenting the goal of leaping to the world's top economy through the super innovation economy. Ko noted, "If corporations lead and the government supports, it is possible," emphasizing a growth strategy based on public-private cooperation.
According to the Ministry of Economy and Finance, Deputy Prime Minister Ko stated during the expanded executive meeting held at the Seoul government complex that "we must secure competitiveness that is not shaken by external shocks, starting with the tariff negotiation with the U.S." He also mentioned that "now we need to create an ecosystem for 'real growth.'" He added that "to achieve results in strategic areas, including artificial intelligence (AI), each ministry and corporations must collaborate, and the Ministry of Economy and Finance must support this comprehensively."
Deputy Prime Minister Ko instructed, "We must swiftly prepare an action plan for achieving the super innovation economy and fundamentally improve the corporate environment through regulatory improvements and economic penalty refinements." This reflects his determination to ensure that corporations have confidence that they can compete with any competitor in the world.
Deputy Prime Minister Ko particularly ordered regarding the tariff negotiations to "proactively assess the potential for damage by industry and prepare immediate response measures if necessary." He urged readiness for follow-up discussions between the governments without any lapses. Additionally, he stated that "these strategic directions must be thoroughly included in the soon-to-be-announced new government economic growth strategy, the 2026 budget plan, and fiscal management directions."
Deputy Prime Minister Ko is also expected to attend the first meeting of the 'Growth Strategy Task Force (TF)' on the 5th, where he plans to reiterate the government's intention for corporation-centered growth during discussions with business leaders.
Regarding the organizational culture of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, Deputy Prime Minister Ko stated, "We must reduce unnecessary work and focus on performance." He encouraged staff to improve their utilization of AI and actively use their summer vacations.