Prime Minister Kim: "Military Meals, from Sole-Source to Competitive Contracts"...Significant Budget Increase

National Policy Review and Coordination Meeting... "Soldiers' Food Cannot Be a Subject of Compromise"

Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum speaking while presiding over the Government Policy Coordination Meeting held at the Government Complex Sejong in Sejong City on the morning of the 14th. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum stated on the 14th, "We will gradually transition from the traditional non-competitive contract method, which has been maintained for over 50 years, to a competitive contract system and improve the cooking environment by expanding the number of professional culinary personnel."

At the government Sejong complex, during the National Affairs Inspection and Coordination Meeting he presided over, regarding the agenda item 'Comprehensive Measures for Military Meal Improvement,' Kim said, "Some may feel uncomfortable with the changes, but the food for soldiers cannot be a subject of compromise."

The comprehensive measures also include expanding budget support to improve meal quality, such as significantly increasing the basic meal unit price. Kim pointed out, "The recent issues with military meals show that the military meal procurement system, which has operated without change for decades, has reached its limit." He added, "With the sole thought of providing a proper meal to soldiers who dedicate themselves to the country, we fully accepted the recommendations of the 'Joint Civil-Military Committee for Improvement of Military Culture' and prepared these measures."

Regarding the 'Proactive Regulatory Innovation Roadmap for Autonomous Ships' presented at the meeting, Kim also said, "Autonomous ships are expected to be a game changer that will change the landscape of the shipbuilding industry." He encouraged, "At a time when the International Maritime Organization is actively discussing amendments to conventions for the introduction of autonomous ships, we hope to fully demonstrate our status as a leading shipbuilding and shipping powerhouse by proactively innovating regulations according to this roadmap."

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