Prime Minister Jeong: "Prioritize Securing 30 Million Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine"

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun (center), Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Yoo Eun-hae (right), and Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae are attending the Cabinet meeting held on the 15th at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun announced on the 15th, "The government will prioritize securing vaccines equivalent to about 30 million doses, which is approximately 60% of our country's population, through negotiations with international organizations and overseas companies."

At the 47th Cabinet meeting held at the Government Seoul Office on the same day, Prime Minister Chung said, "We are discussing the plan to introduce the COVID-19 vaccine, which can be considered the most important strategic material."

He emphasized, "We want to secure enough doses to vaccinate all citizens, but currently, the safety and efficacy of the vaccine, as well as the success of its development, remain uncertain, so there are limits to investing blindly. A proactive yet strategic approach is necessary."

He added, "We will continue to explore additional procurement plans depending on the progress of vaccine development. Relevant ministries should devote all efforts to negotiations and investments to secure a stable supply of vaccines, and carefully prepare the vaccination plan in advance."

Prime Minister Chung also stated, "The 4th supplementary budget bill, which requires parliamentary discussion, should have its support criteria and delivery system reviewed in advance, and be fully prepared for immediate execution upon approval." He urged, "Based on the experience of executing three previous supplementary budgets, relevant ministries should devise ways to ensure that as many people as possible receive support before Chuseok."

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