President Lee Jae-myung instructed his aides and various ministries to consider establishing a 'Defense Industry Promotion Control Tower' to realize the goal of entering the top four defense powers. He particularly urged the establishment of regular meetings to formulate strategies for promoting the defense industry and exports.
On the morning of the 8th, at the Cabinet meeting on the first Defense Industry Day, President Lee said, "The defense industry is a new engine of growth for the economy and the strong foundation of our defense force," and requested a whole-of-government effort in nurturing talent and investing in research and development. He also asked, "Please consider the establishment of a defense industry promotion control tower to lead the goal of becoming a top four country in defense, and regularize meetings to promote the defense industry and exports."
President Lee noted, "At the time of the Korean War, our Korea did not even have a single tank, but after 75 years, we have grown into the world's 10th largest defense power," adding, "Recently, we even signed a $9 trillion contract with Poland for the export of K-2 tanks."
Meanwhile, President Lee remarked on the livelihood pledge council formed by the ruling and opposition parties to push ahead with common pledges for the presidential election, saying, "Our government also needs to work together," and expressed, "I am thankful and relieved." He also requested, "I ask both ruling and opposition parties to gather their wisdom in ways that will truly help people's livelihoods," and said, "I hope each ministry will carefully examine what is needed to promote the common pledges of the ruling and opposition parties."
He also emphasized safety measures following industrial accidents. President Lee mentioned, "I have once talked about safety measures at industrial sites, but we also need to double-check child safety measures," referring to a recent incident in Busan where a child died in a fire while their parents were at work.
He added, "As the vacation season approaches, swift action is needed to prevent similar incidents," urging, "Relevant ministries should promptly check overall child safety measures, including minimizing care gaps."