MoEF "War on Drugs Actively Supported with Sufficient Budget"

by Ju Sangdon

Published 24 Apr.2023 16:00(KST)

'Meeting on Support Directions for Strengthening the Essential Functions of the State'

The Ministry of Economy and Finance has decided to actively ensure sufficient funding in next year’s budget to prevent drug distribution in advance and strengthen investigative capabilities.

On the 24th, Choi Sang-dae, the 2nd Vice Minister of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, held a meeting titled “Support Direction for Strengthening the Essential Functions of the State” at the Government Complex Sejong to gather opinions from related experts and ministries regarding support directions in the fields of public safety, defense, and veterans affairs for the formulation of the 2024 budget proposal, and announced this plan.

Vice Minister Choi evaluated that “the role of finance has become more important than ever due to increasing uncertainties in the economic and security environment,” and reiterated, “The government will boldly support necessary tasks while focusing investments on ‘welfare for the vulnerable,’ ‘creation of quality jobs for youth,’ and ‘strengthening the state’s basic functions’ through strong expenditure restructuring.”

At the meeting, Lee Nogong, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice, emphasized, “Drug crimes must be strictly investigated and cracked down on with a firm determination,” and urged, “Especially, close cooperation among related agencies is necessary to restore the status of a drug-free country through preemptive blocking of illegal distribution, concentration of investigative capabilities, treatment and rehabilitation of addicts, education, and publicity.”

In response, Vice Minister Choi stated, “The Ministry of Finance is also seriously aware that drug crimes, including the spread of drugs among adolescents, are deeply penetrating daily life,” and added, “In March, we finalized and delivered the 2024 budget formulation guidelines, which include strengthening drug prevention and response capabilities, to each ministry. We will actively support ensuring that the budget necessary for drug investigations and infrastructure development is sufficiently reflected during the budget formulation process.”

The meeting also discussed the need for tailored veterans policies to foster the K-defense advanced strategic industry, improve service conditions for soldiers, and respond to the aging of veterans and the increase in single-person households.

Vice Minister Choi said, “We will support the growth of the defense industry as an advanced strategic industry to strengthen export competitiveness and continuously improve military service environments to meet the expectations of the public and the MZ generation soldiers,” and added, “Next year’s budget plan will strengthen investments in building an economic safety net for veterans, enhancing veterans’ medical and welfare services, and spreading veterans’ culture.”

Choi Sang-dae, 2nd Vice Minister of the Ministry of Economy and Finance.