Trade, foreign investment key to turning economy around: Kim

President Kim Dae-Jung has called on government officials and business circles to exert efforts to keep the nation¡¯s trade balance in the black and expand foreign investment, which will be the key factors in helping the economy overcome its current slump.

President Kim made the request while presiding over the fifth trade-investment promotion meeting Wednesday at the COEX in Samsung-dong, southern Seoul, in which about 200 economy-related government officials, exporters and foreign investors and entrepreneurs participated.

President Kim emphasized at the meeting that in order to overcome the current economic hardship, it is very important for the government to complete its reform plans in the four major sectors as soon as possible and regain market confidence to boost the nation¡¯s international credibility.

He made it clear that his government will push ahead with the four major reform projects faithfully. The projects are slated for completion by year-end and early next year. President Kim said that the government is determined to carry out the projects in a careful manner, collecting and respecting the opinions of the economic and labor circles.

The president also said that the government will spare no efforts to boost corporate vitality and remove unnecessary regulations when the need exists. He stressed that entrepreneurs should also make efforts to develop the nation into one of the world¡¯s top economies based on a harmonious corporate and labor-management culture in line with a new era.