Prime Minister Jeong: "Profit-sharing system should be voluntary without legislative support"

"Short Selling, Personally an Unfavorable System... Not Welcome"
"Celltrion Treatment Effective for Mild Patients... Prescriptions Around Early February"

Prime Minister Jeong Sye-kyun

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun emphasized that the legislative discussion on the 'COVID-19 Profit Sharing System,' being promoted mainly by the Democratic Party of Korea, should be carried out voluntarily without legislative backing.

On the 14th, Prime Minister Chung appeared on TBS Radio's 'Kim Eo-jun's News Factory' and stated, "If we try to research (profit sharing) through laws and systems, it could lead to various controversies and, in some cases, become a source of further conflicts."

He added, "I am actively in favor of the spirit of coexistence between large corporations and small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as between suppliers and consumers, but if we are to institutionalize something, it is desirable to do so only after a national consensus has been reached."

Regarding the short-selling system, which is scheduled to expire on March 15, Prime Minister Chung said, "This is not the government's official view, but I personally do not think very favorably of the system itself."

On the 11th, the Financial Services Commission announced via a notice message that "the temporary ban on short selling due to COVID-19 is scheduled to end on March 15."

Prime Minister Chung reiterated, "My personal opinion cannot be seen as aligned with the government's view," and said, "The government's position has not been finalized, and this is my personal thought."

He also expressed expectations for the COVID-19 treatment developed by Celltrion. Prime Minister Chung explained, "It is quite effective for mild patients, and while it may have significant effects on severe patients, a treatment that prevents mild cases from progressing to severe ones will be very helpful. If the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety grants approval around early February, many doctors will prescribe it."

Regarding COVID-19 vaccination, Prime Minister Chung pledged to make thorough preparations. He emphasized, "The amount of vaccines to be imported from abroad currently covers 56 million doses, enough for the entire population and more. The important thing is not just the arrival of vaccines but how well they are distributed, supplied, and administered."

He added, "Since we must prepare in advance for adverse reactions after vaccination, the vaccination plan must be meticulously prepared."

Furthermore, he stated, "If vaccinations are done in February this year, there may be a need for additional vaccinations by the end of this year or early next year, so we are also considering contracts for additional quantities to prepare for such cases."

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