Lee says next six months crucial for S. Korean economy

SEOUL, Sept. 16 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Myung-bak said Wednesday that South
Korea's economy is gradually recovering from a crisis, and the next six months
will be crucial for its complete turnaround.
"It is difficult to confidently say that (South Korea) has overcome the economic
crisis, but I think the economy has been gradually escaping from a critical
phase," Lee said while meeting the nation's provincial governors and metropolitan
city mayors over dinner.
"All countries worldwide and international economic think tanks are saying that
South Korea has most successfully coped with (the economic crisis). I want to
attribute this to you all," the president said at the meeting held at the
presidential office, Cheong Wa Dae.
Lee then noted that the months before next spring are very crucial for the nation
to completely overcome the economic crisis, asking the governors and mayors to
extend their full support to the central government.
"From the beginning of the year, all local autonomous governments joined in the
budgetary front-loading. I deeply thank you all for South Korea being praised as
an exemplary case (of economic recovery)," said Lee.
ycm@yna.co.kr
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