Jang Seok-young, Vice Minister of Science and ICT, "We will improve the economic structure through ICT"

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] Jang Seok-young, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Science and ICT, stated, "We will wisely respond to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and consider various ways in which ICT can improve the economic structure and innovate society."

On the 26th, Vice Minister Jang said this at the 'ICT Emergency Countermeasure Meeting' chaired by the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Science and ICT. At this meeting, Vice Minister Jang diagnosed that "non-face-to-face services using ICT, such as remote work and education, are becoming established in our economy." The ICT Emergency Countermeasure Meeting plans to focus its policies on recovering damages in the ICT industry, supporting small business owners and vulnerable groups, and revitalizing the economy through ICT.

First, a task force (TF) will be operated centered on the 'ICT Public-Private Joint Response Team,' which has been held twice so far, to listen to the difficulties faced by the ICT industry due to COVID-19 and establish support measures. In particular, the meeting will review previously announced measures such as technology fee reductions, easing of private sector burdens, and reductions in alternative certification time and costs, and will hold the third meeting as soon as possible. A separate TF will also be created to support small business owners and vulnerable groups. Measures such as communication fee reductions (mobile phone, landline, and high-speed internet fees), operational fund support for small and medium device retailers, extension of interest repayments, and free online education support for low-income groups will be discussed.

Efforts will also be made to revitalize the economy through ICT. Plans include early investment in 5G networks by telecommunications companies and support for mask app development, seeking ways to inject vitality into the contracted economy. A Ministry of Science and ICT official stated, "We plan to continue discussing the role of ICT in the emergency economic situation and mid- to long-term response directions together with economic and ICT experts."

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