By Kim Yon-se
Staff Reporter
The next government plans to create an inter-Korean joint economic community after North Korea dismantles its nuclear weapons and moves toward market-opening, the Presidential Transition Committee said Tuesday.
The plan is part of the incoming administration's ``Global Korea'' programs through the creation of a peace regime; practical commerce diplomacy and active-market opening; an advanced national defense; and an eco-friendly business environment.
In its comprehensive report to President-elect Lee Myung-bak, the committee finalized 21 goals for Lee's 2008-2013 term as it completes its work this month.
The plan calls for helping North Korea hike its per capita income to an annual $3,000 and establishing a permanent peace regime on a denuclearized peninsula, the team said.
The incoming administration will also expand networks with oil producers and sign as many FTAs with major economies.
In line with his campaign pledges to create environmentally-friendly economic and energy structures, Lee has vowed to build a cross-country waterway and develop a new nationwide ecosystem as well as map out comprehensive measures to counter climate change.
The incoming administration will foster the design industry and protect cultural assets as part of steps to make Korea a culturally-rich country.
Also included in the policy agenda are securing transparency in inter-Korean cooperation funds; improving military welfare; establishing legal order; improving the fiscal soundness of provincial governments; strengthening English education at public schools; reforming the college-entrance exam system; expanding pension benefits for the elderly; and creating jobs for young people and women.
Other items include easing the restrictions on conglomerates' shareholding in commercial banks; improving the financial system related to small businesses; and saving communication expenses.
``For the 21 policy goals, we mapped out 192 administrative tasks,'' a transition team member said.
In a similar vein, President-elect Lee will put 10 of his campaign pledges on the front burner for implementation after he takes office on Feb.25.
To pick the 10, he plans to crisscross the country and hold a series of 20 town meetings with local residents, according to a team member.
Emphasis will be placed on reviving small firms, lowering the cost of living for ordinary citizens, improving the college admission system, and the canal project, he said.