'If you build top-level skills, you will not fail.'

Minister Hong Seok-woo of the Ministry of Knowledge Economy visited Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) on the afternoon of March 16 and delivered a special lecture titled 'The $2 Trillion Strategy for the Korean Economy,' which drew strong response from students.

At the lecture, which took place before an audience of some 300 people including President Seo Geo-seok, faculty, staff, and students, Minister Hong urged students to cultivate top-level skills by sharing his life experiences, and outlined his ideas for how the country, the ninth in the world to reach $1 trillion in trade, can move to the $2 trillion era.

Minister Hong emphasized, 'Because our country lacks natural resources, its dependence on trade is very high,' and added, 'To open the $2 trillion era after reaching $1 trillion in trade last year, a change in mindset is necessary.'

To that end, he said, 'It will be difficult unless we move together,' and stated that mid-sized firms must be nurtured to foster small and large enterprises together, and that industrial convergence should be promoted, noting the enactment of the Industrial Convergence Promotion Act last October.

He also said that in order to open the $2 trillion era, resources must underpin the economy, and therefore the rate of domestic resource development should be increased.

In a candid Q&A with students, Minister Hong said, 'If trade is further activated and the overall economy runs smoothly, the employment problems students worry about will also be resolved,' and urged that 'many skilled professionals must be placed in companies for this to happen, and JBNU students should fulfill this role.'

After the lecture, a surprise pansori performance by gugak prodigy Yu Tae-pyeong (2nd year, Department of Korean Music) followed, warming the atmosphere.