0
President Lee Jae Myung speaks during a dialogue with farmers and fishers at Cheong Wa Dae on Oct. 26. / Yonhap

President Lee Jae Myung said on Oct. 26 that South Korea needs to pursue the process of joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) despite opposition from the agriculture, livestock and fisheries sectors. However, he stressed that no particular industry should be forced to bear the costs of market opening, making sufficient compensation a prerequisite.

Speaking at a meeting titled "Dialogue with Farmers and Fishers" at the Cheong Wa Dae State Guest House that afternoon, Lee said, "We cannot simply refuse to do what needs to be done because someone opposes it or resists fiercely. But we must make sure no one is treated unfairly."

"If some people make special sacrifices for the benefit of everyone, they deserve sufficient compensation that more than makes up for those sacrifices," he added. "That is the fundamental prerequisite."

Explaining the need for CPTPP membership in light of South Korea's economic structure, Lee said, "From the perspective of South Korea as a whole, we are an open trading nation that depends on exports and trade. Therefore, expanding global export markets, often referred to as our economic territory, is extremely important."

However, he stressed that joining the CPTPP would not be decided quickly. "Submitting an application does not mean membership will be approved. We need the individual consent of all 12 member countries," Lee said. "We do not even know whether the process can be completed within a few years."

"The easiest political choice would be simply not to pursue something like this," he continued. "Even if we apply, it is far more likely that the process will not be finalized during my term. Nevertheless, for the sake of South Korea as a whole, we must take this step despite some criticism and opposition so that we can move on to the next stage."

Lee reiterated that the agriculture, livestock and fisheries sectors should not be forced to bear a disproportionate burden from CPTPP membership. "I am aware of the misunderstandings and concerns surrounding the comprehensive farmland survey, even though they do not reflect the government's original policy intentions," he said. "I also fully understand that many of you have concerns about pending issues, including CPTPP membership."

"We will ensure that agriculture, fisheries, forestry and livestock farming do not suffer unfair harm," he added. "We will do our utmost to prevent sectors essential to South Korea's survival from being damaged or weakened."

Lee also emphasized that particular industries should no longer be asked to make sacrifices simply because of their size or the number of people they employ, as had happened in the past.

"South Korea's national capabilities and overall circumstances have improved considerably. We are now in a position to pursue policies that benefit the country as a whole without forcing anyone to unfairly bear the losses," Lee said. "We must no longer impose losses and damage unilaterally on people simply because they lack power or are small in number."

                                                                                                         Park Young-hoon