[2020 National Audit] Minister Choi Ki-young: "The Country Will Take Full Responsibility for COVID-19 Vaccine Development"

"COVID-19 Therapeutics and Vaccine Development, Focused Support Centered on the Pan-Government Support Committee"

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] Choi Ki-young, Minister of Science and ICT, announced that he will support the development of treatments and vaccines for the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and actively promote the Digital New Deal policy.

At the National Assembly Science, ICT, Broadcasting and Communications Committee’s audit on the 7th, Minister Choi stated, "To end COVID-19, the development of treatments and vaccines is necessary," adding, "We are focusing support centered on the intergovernmental support committee, which has been operating since last April with the principle that the government will take full responsibility for the development of treatments and vaccines."

Minister Choi said, "Relevant ministries are closely cooperating to provide funding for preclinical and clinical research and development, offer R&D services utilizing equipment, personnel, and technology from national research institutes, and implement regulatory improvements such as expedited review of clinical trials," and added, "Through this support, we hope treatments and vaccines can be secured as soon as possible."

Minister Choi stated, "The government aims to turn the COVID-19 crisis into an opportunity for industrial advancement. Through the Digital New Deal, we will actively pioneer and lead the future by leveraging our world-class ICT infrastructure, manufacturing technology, and various service strengths."

He continued, "Government investment through the Digital New Deal will serve as a catalyst to promote private sector investment, leading to the emergence of new companies and industries, thereby creating a virtuous cycle that generates sustainable large-scale jobs."

Minister Choi said, "By steadily accumulating research achievements, we will build a science and technology ecosystem capable of responding to future crises," and added, "Through the National Research and Development Innovation Act, which will be enforced from January 1 next year, we will create an environment where researchers can focus solely on research without having to look up complex regulations one by one, and by integrating research support systems scattered across various institutions, we will enhance research efficiency."

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