Vice Minister Ki Jae: "Environment Must Be Considered as a Policy Variable... Integrating ICT Technology into Water Management Facilities"

Published 13 Nov.2020 08:50(KST)

Updated 13 Nov.2020 08:51(KST)

On the 13th, the 31st Innovation Growth Strategy Review Meeting and Policy Review Meeting Held

Kim Yong-beom, First Vice Minister of Strategy and Finance, is delivering opening remarks at the 31st Innovation Growth Strategy Review Meeting and Policy Review Meeting held at the Export-Import Bank in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, on the 13th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Sehee] Kim Yong-beom, First Vice Minister of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, stated on the 13th, "The environment should be considered a more important policy variable than it is now."

At the '31st Innovation Growth Strategy Review Meeting and Policy Review Meeting' held at the Government Seoul Office on the morning of the 6th, Vice Minister Kim said, "The Korean New Deal is also participating in the eco-friendly transition emphasized by countries such as the United States and the European Union (EU)."

The government announced that it will introduce an ICT-based real-time management system capable of monitoring and controlling the entire process from tap water supply to sewage treatment.

Vice Minister Kim stated, "Water management such as quantity and quality will become easier, providing safe and high-quality tap water, and enabling rapid response to water supply and sewage accidents." He added, "We also plan to install flood information collection sensors and establish an artificial intelligence (AI) flood forecasting system."

Regarding the rise in vegetable prices ahead of the kimchi-making season, he evaluated, "Cabbage and radish, which showed high prices due to heavy rains, have entered a clear downward stabilization trend as autumn cabbage and radish begin to be shipped."

He said, "However, some vegetables such as chili peppers still have high prices due to poor crop conditions caused by prolonged rainy seasons, which may pose a burden to consumers."

He added, "The government will expand supply from early November to late December, the peak kimchi-making period, by utilizing stockpiled quantities and contract cultivation volumes," and stated, "We will do our best to stabilize kimchi vegetable prices through special discount events by major distributors."