Lee says Korean economy to grow 5 percent in 2010

SEOUL, Nov. 27 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Myung-bak said Friday the country's
economy may start seeing definite signs of a recovery in the second half of next
year, but stressed it is still too premature to consider exit strategies.

"We are growing at the fastest rate among the members of the Organization for
Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The OECD says our economy will grow
by 4.5 percent next year. I think it will more likely be around 5 percent," he
said in a special television program to address the nation on a number of pending
issues.
The president said the country's quick recovery from the global economic crisis
was partly due to swift government action to stimulate the economy.
"But there are still many variables facing the global economy next year," Lee said.
"We already have a problem developing in Dubai, but once some other advanced
economies face a new financial crisis, we will quickly feel the effects here,
too. Our exports will dwindle if other economies face difficulties," he said.
The president said businesses could start feeling the signs of a recovery as
early as the first half of the year, but that it will take more time before their
workers or ordinary citizens will feel the effects of an improvement.
"The government is working to create new opportunities, so I think the people
could feel the effects at least from the second half of the year," he said.
bdk@yna.co.kr
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