Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok meets with Japanese Ambassador to Korea Mizushima

Choi met with the Japanese Ambassador to Korea and discussed ways to strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries. Choi evaluated that Korea and Japan are important trading partners to each other, and since the restoration of shuttle diplomacy last year, the scope of economic cooperation has expanded to energy and ventures. Ambassador Mizushima also welcomed the recent economic cooperation between the two countries in various fields. Choi explained that they will be able to share policy experiences in various fields and continue to enhance mutual understanding through various forms of exchange between the two governments in the future. Choi asked for the Japanese government’s interest and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Community (APEC) Summit and Finance Ministers’ Meeting, which Korea will chair next year, and proposed strengthening cooperation between the two countries in the ASEAN+3 and G20. Ambassador Mizushima agreed on the need for cooperation through bilateral and multilateral consultative bodies. Choi asked Japan to also take interest in Korea’s inclusion in the World Government Bond Index, as Japanese investors account for a large portion of the bond market. Ambassador Mizushima highly praised Korea’s achievements in improving accessibility to foreign investment. 

Ministry of Strategy and Finance inspects summer cabbage growth

Vice Minister Kim Beom-seok visited the Gangneung cabbage fields to check the status of preparations for the supply of Chuseok cabbage. He emphasized that this year, as the summer cabbage cultivation area decreased (6.2%) compared to the previous year, growth management for smooth supply and demand is more important than ever. He encouraged the farmers’ hard work, saying that the damage from diseases and pests such as soft rot was not significant, and the growth condition of cabbages to be shipped at the end of August was good, so unless there are special circumstances such as typhoons in the future, there will be no major problems in the supply and demand of cabbage. He mentioned that he is actively responding by utilizing all available policy tools as concerns are raised about the recent high cabbage prices and the burden on consumers. He said that he plans to release up to 400 tons of reserves per day in mid-to-late August when a shortage is expected, expand the cultivation area by utilizing 2 million reserve seedlings, and directly supply cabbage to marts at a 30% discount and is responding with all-out efforts to stabilize prices.