Transition Team Unveils Strategic Policy Goals and Tasks

President-elect Lee Myung-bak said yesterday that “layered administrative procedures should be overhauled,” in reference to regulation reforms at the third policy task force meeting held in the conference hall of the presidential transition committee. Lee added that the nation should adopt a “one-stop service system that is in line with global standards.”

“It may seem incredible, but if opening up a golf club needs 770 permissions from related ministries and local governments, I am afraid we won’t be able to see any newly-established industrial complex during the new government’s term in office,” transition committee’s spokesman Lee Dong-gwan said, quoting President-elect Lee.

The presidential committee unveiled Tuesday the new government’s five key administrative projects, a list of 21 strategic policy goals, and 192 detailed national policy tasks.

The five key administrative projects include bringing about a vibrant market economy, making the nation as a central powerhouse of human resources, ushering in “Global Korea,” establishing an active welfare system, and forming a government that serves the people. The 192 detailed national policy tasks are divided into 43 key policy tasks, 63 tasks with importance, and 86 general tasks.

The transition committee has categorized the amendment of “Defense Reform 2020” and the transfer of wartime operational control as a “key task” and an “important task,” respectively.

President-elect Lee made his stance on the transfer of wartime operational control clear in a joint interview with the Dong-A Ilbo, the Asahi Shimbun, and the Wall Street Journal held on Feb. 1, saying, “It’s not an opportune time to go into details, but if there is no progress in dealing with inter-Korean relations, the North Korean nuclear issue, and a peace agreement by 2010, we should adjust the timetable of the transfer.”

On education, the incoming government will introduce a lifetime education account where funds earmarked for the public’s education is distributed to those who need support.

After incorporating President-elect Lee’s requests for amendment and additions, the transition committee will complete the last version of the report on policy tasks by the end of the month, submit it to the new cabinet, and draw up a white paper.

Separately, the transition committee is scheduled to brief President-elect Lee on special policy tasks regarding regulation reform, climate change, overseas investment, attracting foreign investment, low fertility rates and the aging population.

swpark@donga.com