Prime minister urges efforts to prevent technology leaks

By Yoo Cheong-mo
SEOUL, Oct. 18 (Yonhap) -- Prime Minister Han Seung-soo on Saturday called on private business entities to pay as much attention to the protection of their homegrown advanced technologies as they do to their development and utilization.

"Private enterprises have to take thorough measures to prevent industrial
espionage and leaks of their self-developed high technologies," Han said during
his visit to Samsung Heavy Industries' shipyard in Geoje, near Busan.
"What worries us most is the possibility of Korea's self-developed world-class
technologies being leaked abroad illegally," said the prime minister.
He then stressed that domestic shipyards should redouble their research and
development efforts to help the nation overcome the global financial market
crisis.
"Technological competitiveness is the most important factor in the
ever-intensifying global competition. The worldwide financial turmoil is
increasingly threatening the real economic sector. At a time like this, our
shipbuilders should further enhance their competitiveness," said Han.
The prime minister also visited the nearby Sacheon plant of Korea Aerospace
Industries, a manufacturer of various fighter aircraft established in 1999 with
the consolidation of Samsung Aerospace, Daewoo Heavy Industries and Hyundai Space
and Aircraft Co.
ycm@yna.co.kr
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