청 "Voluntary Gatherings, Unrelated to the 52-Hour Workweek Promotion"... Acceptance of Samsung Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong's Proposal (Comprehensive)

Cheongwadae Fully Accepts Proposals from Economic Sector Meeting... "Change Airfare Tariffs to Maritime Freight Charges"

[Asia Economy reporters Jeongmin Ryu and Sunhee Son] The Blue House has decided to actively promote the fact that voluntary company dinners are unrelated to the 52-hour workweek system, following a suggestion from Lee Jae-yong, Vice Chairman of Samsung Electronics. Additionally, accepting a proposal from Yoon Yeo-cheol, Vice Chairman of Hyundai Motor Company, the Blue House decided to change the customs duty basis for core parts procurement via air transport from air freight charges to sea freight charges to reduce costs.

On the 19th, the Blue House announced a follow-up implementation plan for the 'Novel Coronavirus Infection (COVID-19)' economic sector meeting, which included these measures. Yoon Jae-gwan, Deputy Spokesperson of the Blue House, stated, "We have decided to fully accept the economic sector's proposals."

Deputy Spokesperson Yoon added, "The government will promptly implement follow-up measures for all 16 proposals. This reflects the president's determination for the government and companies to unite in minimizing damage and reviving the economic recovery momentum."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

According to the Blue House, regarding Samsung Electronics' proposal to alleviate concerns about whether company dinners to stimulate domestic demand violate the 52-hour workweek system, it was decided to actively promote that voluntary company dinners are unrelated to the 52-hour workweek. Promotional materials on this topic will be produced and distributed through a message from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Strategy and Finance Hong Nam-ki.

Furthermore, in response to requests to deliver presidential encouragement messages to expatriates and their families of Korean companies operating in China, a presidential encouragement video will be produced by March and delivered to local companies through the Korean Embassy and Consulates in China.

The Blue House also accepted Hyundai Motor Company's proposal to support Korean companies operating in China with quarantine supplies, linking overseas quarantine supply manufacturers discovered by KOTRA with Korean companies in China.

Additionally, to reduce costs for procuring core parts via air transport, the customs duty basis will be changed from air freight charges to sea freight charges. Customs duties on air transport are about 15 times higher than those on sea transport.

The Blue House also accepted SK Group's proposal to request China to allow partial factory operations even when confirmed COVID-19 cases occur. To ensure smooth transportation of semiconductor parts, reductions in cargo transport between Korea and China will be minimized.

Government support for the cultural content industry, as proposed by CJ Group, will also be strengthened. The Blue House explained, "We will continue to promote the three major innovation strategies for the content industry (September 2019), including establishing a content investment fund, and will establish support policies for games (March), music (June), and animation (September)."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding the request for intergovernmental consultations to revitalize Korea-China cultural cooperation, the government will continuously pursue easing sanctions and support private exchanges through high-level cooperation channels in the cultural sector.

The Blue House also accepted Lotte Group's proposal for President Moon Jae-in's participation in various cultural events. Additionally, concerning tax and fiscal measures to support affected small and medium-sized enterprises and small business owners, additional measures will be reviewed to minimize negative economic impacts.

Regarding the active administrative efforts requested by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Korea Federation of SMEs, it was explained that active administration measures were discussed during a meeting between the Prime Minister and the Chairman of the Board of Audit and Inspection on the 18th. Pre-consultations, distribution of active administration exemption casebooks, and awards for exemplary cases will also be conducted.

The government also accepted the Korea International Trade Association's proposal to minimize cancellations of government and public events to stimulate domestic demand and maintain a stable atmosphere. Furthermore, flexible application of environmental laws such as the 'Chemical Substances Control Act' and the 'Chemical Control Act' for affected companies will also be accepted.

Regarding tax improvements to activate corporate investment proposed by the Korea Employers Federation, additional tax measures will be actively reviewed. The government also accepted supplementary legislation for the 52-hour workweek system, including the flexible working hours system, and will strive for the prompt enactment of the amended 'Labor Standards Act' submitted to the National Assembly.

For financial support issues for affected companies proposed by the Korea Association of Mid-sized Enterprises, the government will check weekly support performance to ensure that financial sector support measures are smoothly implemented on the front lines.

Deputy Spokesperson Yoon said, "Among the total 16 proposals, there is one being accepted and promoted: the amendment of the Labor Standards Act to introduce the flexible working hours system. The bill was prepared through a tripartite agreement at the Economic, Social and Labor Council on February 19 last year and has been submitted as a member's bill." He added, "The government will work even harder to ensure that the bill is well discussed and passed in the National Assembly."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.