President Lee Jae-myung holds a meeting with business leaders

On the morning of the 19th, six days ahead of the Korea-U.S. summit, President Lee Jae-myung met with major domestic business leaders at the Yongsan Presidential Office to review investment and purchasing plans for the United States and discuss ways to maximize economic achievements.

Kang Yu-jeong, spokesperson for the presidential office, stated in a briefing that "the President presided over the meeting for about two hours starting at 10:30 a.m. with participants including major business leaders visiting the United States, the head of the policy office, the National Security Office director, and the Minister of Trade, Industry, and Energy."

"Reviving the economy and laying the foundation for sustainable growth"… Expresses gratitude to business leaders

During the meeting, President Lee expressed his gratitude, stating, "In the process of the Korea-U.S. tariff negotiations, business leaders put in great efforts and achieved results beyond expectations." He emphasized, "The government's primary goal is to revive the economy and lay the groundwork for sustainable growth."

He further stated, "Both the government and businesses are facing challenges due to changes in export conditions, but let's work together to turn this crisis into an opportunity."

In response, Ryu Jin, chairman of the Korean Council for Economic Cooperation, remarked, "The uncertainties have been alleviated due to the Korea-U.S. tariff negotiations, and the growth potential of our business leaders has been restored," adding, "The business community will do its best as a strong partner to the government."

Business leaders unite their voices… "We must seize opportunities amid the crisis"

Attendees at the meeting included Lee Jae-yong, chairman of Samsung Electronics; Seo Jeong-jin, chairman of Celltrion; Choi Tae-won, chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (also chairman of SK Group); Koo Kwang-mo, chairman of LG Group; Jang Jae-hoon, vice chairman of Hyundai Motor Group; and Park Ji-won, chairman of Doosan Enerbility.

Chairman Lee Jae-yong stated, "Apart from investments in the United States, we will continuously create quality jobs domestically and continue relevant investments to foster high-value-added industries."

Chairman Seo Jeong-jin suggested, "A crisis can become an opportunity," emphasizing the need for a shift in mindset to prepare for future industries. He further added, "To nurture young and capable entrepreneurs, investments in startups should be expanded over guaranteed loans."

Business leaders hope that the upcoming Korea-U.S. summit will serve as an opportunity to protect national interests and corporate benefits simultaneously, and they anticipate it will be a turning point that promotes entry into the U.S. market and strengthens industrial competitiveness.

President Lee listened to the realistic advice and suggestions from business leaders and urged, "I hope the business leaders accompanying me on this trip to the U.S. will achieve significant results on site."

Image source: News1, Lee Jae-yong, chairman of Samsung Electronics / News1