President Lee Jae-myung announced that he will directly address on-site challenges related to permits and approvals for three major mega projects and the implementation of super wide area special zones. He urged for swift and proactive regulatory improvements even before the enactment of the super wide area special zone law.
During the second full meeting of the Regulatory Reform Committee held at the Blue House, President Lee stated, "Regulatory reform is an essential task to create an irreplaceable South Korea."
He emphasized the need to strengthen regulations that protect the lives, safety, and property of citizens, as well as the fairness and transparency of society, while boldly improving outdated regulations that hinder the development of new technologies and industries.
President Lee identified the three mega projects and super wide area special zones as key strategies to create regional growth engines and break the vicious cycle of concentration in the capital region and regional decline.
He noted that in the past, concentrating resources on the capital region and specific large corporations was effective in enhancing efficiency during times of limited capital and opportunities. However, he assessed that the current era requires a shift from concentration to equitable distribution of opportunities and resources to enhance efficiency.
Despite potential resistance from established systems that have benefited from the previous concentration structure, he asserted that it is crucial to boldly pursue regional balanced development strategies for the long-term growth of the nation and the future of its citizens.
"We must ensure that young people born and raised in our regions do not leave for the capital region due to job opportunities, but can work, build families, and plan their futures in their local areas," President Lee said.
He highlighted that the mega projects and super wide area special zones are major agenda items that he will personally monitor, emphasizing his commitment to addressing on-site challenges related to permits and approvals.
Regarding the recently proposed super wide area special zone law, he explained that it contains over 300 regulatory exceptions, the largest ever in a single piece of legislation. However, he cautioned that exceptions may be added, changed, or excluded during the National Assembly review process and urged for attention to ensure the most efficient legislation.
He called for the Regulatory Reform Committee to take swift and proactive measures on issues that can be improved even before the law is enacted.
President Lee also stressed the need for regulatory adjustments to support a "national startup era." He pointed out that difficulties such as lack of information, complex regulations, and excessive paperwork hinder the startup process, and called for the removal of unnecessary and traditional regulations that complicate administrative procedures.
He emphasized that the success of regulatory improvements should be evaluated not only by the number of regulations revised but also by actual investments, startups, and job creation. He noted that those who operate regulations may find it difficult to recognize problems, making the perspectives of those affected and neutral observers crucial.
President Lee concluded, "I will ensure that regulatory reform can serve as a wing for growth, plant the seeds for the future of our regions, and invigorate the livelihoods of our citizens." He also urged careful consideration to ensure that regulatory improvements do not fundamentally undermine important values such as the lives and safety of citizens and the environment.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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