Finance minister calls for corporate support in job creation, innovative growth

HANAM -- South Korea's top economic policymaker on Friday asked companies to do more to create jobs and spearhead innovative growth in the latest appeal to the business community to join the government's efforts to push for a more balanced and sustainable economy.

In a meeting with Shinsegae Vice Chairman Chung Yong-jin and top executives of affiliates of the business group in Hanam, just southeast of Seoul, Finance Minister Kim Dong-yeon stressed the importance of cooperation between the private sector and the government to usher in innovative growth.

In September 2016, Shinsegae Group opened the country's largest shopping complex in Hanam.

The Moon Jae-in government is preaching growth centered on innovation, which it claims will help Asia's fourth-largest economy secure its potential growth and allows for sustainable expansion that can benefit everyone.

The latest gathering is the fourth round of such talks between the finance minister and heads of major South Korean business conglomerates.

Kim has met with Hyundai Motor Vice Chairman Chung Eui-sun, LG Group Vice Chairman Koo Bon-joon and SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won in a series of meetings to seek their support in the creation of good jobs.

Shinsegae is known to lead the innovative growth by adopting cutting-edge technology in its mainstay retail business. Recently, E-Mart Inc., a major discount chain operator under Shinsegae Group, showcased an autonomous shopping cart in a test run.

The business group is also the first major conglomerate to adopt shortened work hours ahead of Seoul enforcing a lowered max workweek starting July 1.

The South Korean retailer adopted the shortened workweek as of Jan. 1 to help its workers utilize their time to work more effectively. Legal work hours are set to be reduced to 52 hours per week, down from 68. The new regulations will be applied first at work sites with 300 employees or more.(Yonhap)