Lee says economy, jobs will continue to be top goals in 2010

By Byun Duk-kun
Seoul, Dec. 28 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Myung-bak said Monday his government
will continue to take emergency measures in the New Year to revive the country's
economy and create jobs, citing the many difficulties the country still faces due
to persistent uncertainties in the global market.

"I believe it is still too early to be complacent because there are many
uncertainties in global economic conditions," Lee said in his biweekly national
radio address broadcast.
The president noted that the country's economy is expected to grow nearly 5
percent in 2010, following its better-than-expected performance this year.
In November, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)
expected South Korea's economy to expand 0.1 percent this year before rebounding
4.4 percent next year. The prediction is higher than the negative 2.2 percent and
positive 3.5 percent the Paris-based group predicted in June.
"I and the government did our best to overcome the crisis and prepare for the
future, beginning with our declaration of an emergency economic government at the
very start of this year," President Lee said.
"But we still need to do more. We will continue to take our emergency measures at
least until the end of the first half of next year or when our ordinary,
working-class people begin to feel signs of improvement," he said.
"The government will also do its utmost to create jobs in the new year," the
president added.
bdk@yna.co.kr
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