Country Profile\/Ads: South Korea
\nThis page will be published during the ASEAN BUSINESS AND
\nINVESTMENT SUMMIT<\/p>\n
Roh puts emphasis on economy and North Korea issue<\/p>\n
Below are excerpts taken from the speech of South Korean
\nPresident Roh Moo-hyun given to mark the country's 58th
\nAnniversary of National Liberation on Aug. 15. Roh, who was
\nappointed as South Korea's 16th president on Feb. 25, is one of
\nkey speakers at the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit.<\/p>\n
Only about a hundred years ago, we had neither the soldiers to
\nsafeguard the country nor the economic capability to train them.
\nNeither were we able to grasp the fast-changing world order and
\ntake steps to cope with it; nor were we capable of pooling the
\ndetermination and strength of the people.<\/p>\n
The situation is different now. Our economic success caught
\nthe world by surprise. We are now attracting world attention as a
\nforerunner in the age of information. The development of our
\ndemocracy also earned worldwide acclaim. Our loyal and strong
\nmilitary has been safeguarding the country on the strength of a
\nsolid economy and democracy.<\/p>\n
Returning home from my visit to three countries, the United
\nStates, Japan and China, I reconfirmed the standing of our
\ncountry. I was received with warm and respectful hospitality in
\nall the three countries.<\/p>\n
And I again confirmed the fact that the determination of our
\npeople has been having a significant influence on the order of
\nNortheast Asia.<\/p>\n
I have deep respect for and commend those who led the country
\nto where we are now by overcoming the history of colonization,
\nsuppression and usurpation that robbed us of the opportunity for
\nindependent development, and who rose from the pain of national
\ndivision and the legacy of fratricidal war.<\/p>\n
Now let us make a joint pledge. Let's not repeat the
\nhumiliating history; let's ensure that our children live in a
\nmore bountiful and stable world; let's help them feel proud of
\nour country and history; let's help them realize their dreams;
\nlet's make them confident enough to take part in and lead the
\nworld order.<\/p>\n
We should further solidify our economy and national security.
\nWe should overcome national division and establish an order of
\npeace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast
\nAsia. This is by no means easy. Above all, we should unite as
\none. To that end, we should further develop democracy and help
\nthe culture of dialogue and compromise take root. The principles
\nand the great cause for all the people to respect and nurture
\nmust be clearly set forth.<\/p>\n
The success of the economy is important. Without economic
\nsuccess, it is hard to succeed in other areas. Within 10 years,
\nwe should achieve US$20,000 in per capita income.<\/p>\n
As I have stated many times, the government has adopted
\ntechnological innovation, the cultivation of competent talent,
\nreform of the market and social culture, realization of the age
\nof Northeast Asia and decentralization as its strategies for
\nstrengthening competitiveness; it has been stepping up efforts to
\nrealize these strategies.<\/p>\n
To help stabilize living conditions and bolster long-term
\ngrowth potential, the government will steadily implement policies
\nto keep real estate and housing prices stable.<\/p>\n
I will soon present measures to consolidate the culture of
\nenhanced labor-management relations. I will see to it that
\nfriction and confrontation between labor and management will not
\ndrag our economy down.<\/p>\n
We can no longer resist the trend of openness. Free trade
\nagreements will be actively pursued. Fundamental measures are in
\nthe works to deal with the damage that trade liberalization will
\ncause to farmers.<\/p>\n
Education should be reformed so as to back up competitiveness.
\nI will pursue these policies consistently throughout my term. I
\nwill by no means be mindful of any temporary popularity. In that
\nway we can lay the groundwork within my term for $20,000 in per
\ncapita income, and after I leave office the economy should
\ncertainly grow at a faster pace.<\/p>\n
China has been growing fast. But that is not necessarily a
\ncause for worry. We too have been working hard. When a solution
\nto the North Korean nuclear problem is found, there will be a way
\non the horizon for inter-Korean peace and cooperation, and then
\nthe age of Northeast Asia will open. When the age of Northeast
\nAsia opens, China's development will provide an opportunity for
\nour economy to stage a take-off. Everything depends on what we
\nwill do.<\/p>",
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