During the address, his second of its kind following a similar speech on a supplementary budget in June, Lee outlined his key policies and proposed allocation of 728 trillion Korean won (about US$506 billion) in next year's budget to boost economic growth.
He called for cooperation to swiftly approve the budget, which includes approximately 10 trillion won earmarked for areas such as artificial intelligence (AI)-related research and development, as part of efforts to make South Korea one of the world's leading powerhouses.
Lee also said that economic uncertainties have eased after finalizing a tariff-related deal with the U.S., praising progress in discussions on the supply of fuel for nuclear-powered submarines and other matters.
But in fact it still remains to be seen, as the two sides have not signed an official written agreement yet, and there appear to be some disagreements over further market openings for agricultural products and semiconductor-related tariffs.
Meanwhile, the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) boycotted his speech amid a series of disputes in their political wrangling with the ruling Democratic Party (DP), staging a protest rally at the National Assembly instead.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.