S. Korea eyes speedy job creation: Lee

By Lee Chi-dong
SEOUL, Jan. 21 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Myung-bak said Thursday his government
will concentrate its efforts this year on resolving the problem of "jobless
growth" faster than other OECD member states.

Bringing down the unemployment rate, a task facing nations worldwide, will be an
important agenda item at the summit of the world's 20 major economies to be held
in Canada in June and in South Korea in November, the president said.
"The core of (our) national policy goal this year is to create jobs," Lee said
during a meeting of top government officials on crafting ways to expand
employment. In his New Year's message, the president announced the launch of the
monthly meeting and the first session was held Thursday at the presidential
office Cheong Wa Dae.
"This year, the government will try to resolve the employment issue at the
fastest pace among OECD countries," Lee said, referring to the Paris-based
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.
Despite the global economic crisis last year, South Korea has managed mostly to
arrest its jobless rate through expansionary fiscal policy and a nationwide "job
sharing" campaign.
The country's unemployment rate stood at 3.6 percent last year; among those aged
between 15-29, however, it rose to 8.1 percent from 7.2 in 2008, according to
Statistics Korea.
While South Korea aims to attain 5 percent economic growth this year, fears of
growth without job creation are rising here -- as in many other countries.
"The term 'jobless growth' has become common in every nation," Lee said.
The president also stressed the role of the corporate sector in addressing the
problem.
"In fact, it is not the government but companies who can make jobs," he said.
"The National Assembly and the government will take measures necessary for job
creation by firms."
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)

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