PRIME TIME NEWS 22:00
Up next in the broadcast...
This year′s government action plans feature the words "innovation" and "entrepreneurship" with the aim of turning Korea into a "vibrant creative economy." And if all goes well... they say ordinary Koreans will feel improvement by the end of the year.
Japan′s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says he will work with President Park Geun-hye to improve bilateral ties and cooperation... especially as Korea and Japan this year... celebrate their 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
In the aftermath of last week′s terror attacks in France... the French government orders prosecutors to clamp down on hate speech and those who support acts of terrorism.
Prime Time News begins now.
Title: Korea′s economy ministries present action plans to President Park
We begin with the latest efforts on Korea′s economy drive... where the nation′s economy-related ministries and agencies presented their action plans for this year to President Park Geun-hye.
Their pledge: To support the country′s SMEs and start-ups with needed funds and so-called creative economy centers.
Song Ji-sun has the details.
"Innovation" and "entrepreneurship" are the keywords for 2015.
Five government ministries and organizations in charge of science, technologies and industries put together a blueprint on Thursday to turn Korea into a "vibrant creative economy."
The Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning, the Trade Ministry, the Small and Medium Business Administration and the nation′s finance and communications regulators... all vowed to follow up with action plans to promote entrepreneurship needed to turn ideas into businesses.
"We′ll create a dynamic economy, where creativity thrives and new businesses are born and grow. The first step is to set up an organic ecosystem conducive to an innovative economy."
One of the government′s top projects this year... is setting up "Innovative Creative Economy Centers" in 17 industrial sites by June.
Each center will specialize in one specific industry based on the strength and characteristics of the local area.
One-stop services will be provided at these centers for start-ups seeking funds, partners, distribution channels and clients.
Seoul is also seeking to make better use of its free trade agreements with other countries... to boost growth.
The government wants to help companies, especially small and medium-sized businesses, make better use of recently agreed free trade deals,... and in particular... the one with China.
Seoul will launch a consolidated information platform and set up a China desk a one-stop service for exporters seeking advice on expanding their outbound shipments.
The government is aiming to log 600 billion dollars in exports and attract 20-billion dollars in foreign direct investment this year... to become an FTA hub and business center for the East Asia region.
"The gover
