Lee: "Exports Hit $60 Billion... Overhaul Startup Regulations from a Zero-Base"

[Financial News] At the State Council meeting on the 3rd, President Lee Jae-myung said, "We need to review all regulations on startup support from a zero-base," and urged officials to "concentrate the full capacity of the government on building a startup-driven nation that treats challenge and failure as the foundation for success."
Presiding over the 4th State Council meeting at Cheong Wa Dae, President Lee noted, "Last month, exports exceeded 60 billion dollars for the first time ever for the month of January." He added, "For these improved indicators to translate into changes that people can actually feel, we need strategies that go beyond the traditional system centered on large corporations, the capital region, and experienced workers."
In particular, he pointed to the accelerating transition driven by artificial intelligence, warning that "economic gains will inevitably become even more concentrated among a smaller group, and the number of jobs will structurally decline." He continued, "We must completely transform the structure of our economy and broaden both the depth and breadth of growth," and stressed, "If someone has an idea, anyone should be able to start a business, so we must lower the barriers and follow through with bold institutional innovation and financial support."
On livelihood and welfare issues, Lee said, "The fundraising total for the 'Hope 2026 Sharing Campaign' has surpassed 500 billion won for the first time ever," adding, "The fact that so many people have taken part in donations in such difficult times shows the hope that exists in our society. I would like to express my deep gratitude to the people."
He then referred to the Just Dream program, which supports people in welfare blind spots, explaining that it is "intended to ensure that anyone can receive at least a minimum amount of food at any time." He said, "It is a program that provides meals so that people can eat within a range of 20,000 won," and added, "Even if there is some misuse, the scale will not be large, and in reality such cases are hard to find." He went on, "More than 150 Just Dream Centers are now operating nationwide," and appealed, "If there are people in need around you, please spread the word so they can make use of it." President Lee ordered, "Expand the full-scale program in May," and instructed officials to "quickly address any shortcomings before then and actively push ahead with the broader rollout." He also said, "To spread a culture of sharing, we will carefully pursue institutional improvements, but as much as possible, we intend to resolve this through broader social participation in donations rather than relying on the national budget."
On disease control, Lee mentioned the current situation regarding Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), African swine fever (ASF), and foot-and-mouth disease, and ordered officials to "mobilize all available means to block the spread of livestock infectious diseases." He added, "Expand compensation so that the damage does not grow," and requested, "Make sure to properly safeguard the safety of quarantine officials and provide adequate support for the hardship they endure."
With the Lunar New Year holiday approaching, President Lee also emphasized price stabilization measures. He said, "We must make every effort to stabilize prices," and instructed officials to "swiftly implement preemptive measures to curb the cost of groceries, including expanding the supply of key holiday items and strengthening discount support for agricultural and livestock products."
west@fnnews.com Seong Seok-woo Reporter