President Lee Jae-myung said on the 5th that the government needs to simplify its 'certification process' for the advancement of the bio industry. He noted that regulations should not hold back research and development (R&D) and that easing them would enhance efficiency.
On this day, President Lee presided over a discussion titled 'Accelerating K-bio Innovation' at the Songdo Convensia in Incheon, stating, 'Given the characteristics of the bio industry, research and development is crucial.' He added, 'It seems important for the government to ensure that certification processes do not become an obstacle to research and development.' He also emphasized the importance of conducting the process transparently and fairly to avoid any doubt.
President Lee mentioned A (artificial intelligence), B (bio and healthcare), C (content and culture), D (defense industry and aerospace), E (energy), and F (manufacturing), which he presented as the 'core of Korea's industrial development' during the last presidential election, noting, 'Among them, the bio sector is a very important part of Korea's future industry.'
He emphasized the need for a fair competitive structure. President Lee stated, 'The first thing the government should do is create an environment where those in the bio industry and the industry itself can work autonomously and creatively in a fair manner.' He added, 'The government should fill in the gaps and ensure fair situation management to prevent any unfair occurrences, providing solid support when competing globally.'
President Lee remarked, 'Even if a specific industry or corporation develops, it is crucial that opportunities and results are not monopolized by a specific sector, so that everyone can enjoy these opportunities and outcomes.' He noted that 'establishing a fair ecosystem is also something the government must do.'
The meeting, which lasted about 80 minutes, included Kim Yong-beom, the head of the presidential office's Policy Office; Han Jeong-ae, chairperson of the Democratic Party of Korea's Policy Committee; Park Joo-min, chairperson of the National Assembly's Health and Welfare Committee; Gu Yoon-cheol, Minister of Economy and Finance; Jeong Eun-kyeong, Minister of Health and Welfare; Kim Jeong-kwan, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy; and Bae Kyung-hun, Minister of Science and ICT. From the industry, over 60 representatives, including those from Samsung Biologics and Lotte Biologics, and about 30 experts from research institutions attended.