The trade ministry briefed President Moon Jae-in this morning on its policy plans for 2019.
And speaking to ministry staff at the government complex in Sejong City,... the president said... the country's manufacturing sector needs to be the main pillar on which the administration ultimately realizes its goal of "innovative growth" and building an "inclusive nation."
"We still have a diverse and solid manufacturing base that is the envy of the world. If we revive our traditionally strong industries and revolutionize and enhance our manufacturing sectors through smart factories and by fostering future industries, I am certain the economy will rebound."
Also, in a briefing from the agriculture ministry this afternoon,... the president called on the ministry to use the social overhead capital... directed by the administration to improving livelihoods in local communities... to create career opportunities for young Koreans and to help the elderly living in farming regions.
The president has one more briefing left today, this one from the environment ministry, which will largely be about reducing the country's high levels of fine dust pollution.
