Lee urges continued efforts to increase trade, explore new markets

By Byun Duk-kun
SEOUL, Nov. 30 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Myung-bak called for stepped up efforts
to find new markets for the country's exports Monday, saying the country's
economic recovery, as well as its future, lie in trade.

"We have not yet completely recovered from the crisis. The global economy is
showing slow signs of recovery, but our main trading partners, such as the U.S.
and Japan, have yet to completely recover from the crisis and there are
persistent dangers of a double-dip recession," Lee said in a speech marking the
country's 46th Trade Day.
The president noted the conditions for South Korean exporters may worsen next
year with increasing competition from the world's fastest growing economies, such
as China and India.
"Creative investment for the future is the only way we can ensure our sustainable
growth," he told the ceremony, held at Seoul's Convention & Exhibition Center and
attended by some 1,000 government officials and business representatives.
The ceremony also marked the country's becoming the world's ninth largest
exporter, surpassing Britain for the first time in history.
Lee noted it was an "amazing achievement" made possible by the efforts and
courage of businesses and their workers, but said they must now strive to
continue the momentum through creative innovations and new way of thinking.
"We must continue to expand our research and development investment to secure
new, original technologies," he told the meeting, according to a text of his
speech released by his presidential office, Cheong Wa Dae.
The president also urged the companies to join global efforts to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions, noting such efforts will eventually pay off.
"Reducing greenhouse gas emissions may be a burden to our businesses for now, but
in the long run, it will increase their competitiveness in the global market and
it is a change no one can avoid," he said.
Lee said the government was working to expand the market for the country's
exporters through various free trade agreements with the U.S., the European Union
and India, but that it was up to the companies to find their own new business
opportunities in the new market.
"Not too long from now, our exports will reach US$500 billion and our trade $1
trillion. As our exporters led the recovery of our economy this year, I ask all
of you here to help lead our economic growth next year," Lee said.
bdk@yna.co.kr
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