Business Circles Will Voice Their Interests in Economic Issues

Having ahead elections, the business circles are raising their voices by drawing a clear line from the political circles.

An official of the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI) said yesterday, "Having ahead this year`s local and presidential elections, if politicians made campaign promises against the market economy principles, the national economy will fall into a difficult situation. Thus, we will actively raise our voices in various economic issues."

In relation to this, the FKI decided to present the business circles` practical plans for improving companies` competitive powers in its general meeting, which is planned on 22nd.

The business circles `raising voice` is because they analyze the situation that, if the labor organizations pressure the political circles before the elections, the political circles are likely to present various economic policies against market economy principles.

The FKI also emphasized that the government should remove various kinds of restrictions, which have hindered the companies` management activities, in order to make good environments for businesses. The FKI sees that, if the `security-related class action lawsuit` which is waiting for the National Assembly`s deliberation, is passed, it will be a burden for the companies` business activities. Thus, the FKI plans to reflect the business circles` opinion into the process of deliberation.

Lee Hyung-Man, the Vice President of the Center for Free Enterprise, said, "During the campaign periods, the politicians usually presented policies against the market economy principles to attract votes. These policies should not be the burdens for the economy any more."

In advance, Son Gil-Seung, the Chairman of SK Group, announced his position to draw a clear line from the political circles at a conference hosted by the Korea Newspaper and Broadcast Editors Association on Feb.1st. "The business circles will donate political funds when the requests are right and proper." he said.

Young-Hae Choi yhchoi65@donga.com