President Lee Jae Myung pledged to attract more global investment by easing regulations and supporting advanced industries. He made the remarks at the APEC Business Advisory Council meeting held in Gyeongju on Friday. Moreover, Lee stressed that South Korea must focus on innovation and market reform to sustain economic growth.
Since taking office in June, Lee has aimed to build a practical and market-friendly government. In particular, his administration has worked to identify outdated rules and remove barriers that restrict competitiveness. He explained that these changes will create a stable and transparent environment attractive to global investment.
As the 2025 APEC chair, South Korea is taking a leadership role in promoting open and fair trade. Additionally, Lee said the government has reviewed progress in areas such as digital transformation, service reforms, investment promotion, and structural adjustment. As a result, these reviews have led to updated action plans designed to reflect global market changes.
Lee highlighted the need for flexibility and innovation in policy. Furthermore, he said South Korea must stay ahead of global trends and build a future-ready economy. The government is targeting growth in high-tech fields such as semiconductors, clean energy, and digital technologies. These industries, he noted, will be central to attracting stronger global investment.
Industry analysts view the reforms as key to South Korea’s long-term competitiveness. In fact, the nation has already secured billions in foreign capital but faces rising global competition. To stay ahead, Lee emphasized closer cooperation between government and business.
He urged domestic companies to innovate while the state provides financial and policy support. Consequently, “These collective efforts will drive Korea’s growth,” Lee said. “I believe the Republic of Korea will remain a top destination for global investment.”
Lee’s reform plan also aligns with APEC’s broader mission of sustainable and inclusive growth. Ultimately, with simpler regulations and more industrial incentives, South Korea hopes to strengthen its role in the Asia-Pacific economy. As global investment increasingly focuses on advanced technology and green energy, Seoul aims to position itself at the center of this transformation.
