Promoting Investment

[Anchor Lead]

The government has announced some 150 measures to facilitate investment. Here’s a look at the variety of areas that could benefit from the new rules in coming months.

[Pkg]

Craft beers come in a variety of colors and flavors.

[Soundbite] Kim Tae-gyeong(CEO, Craft Beer Manufacturer) : "Craft beer does not fall behind even compared to imported beer. In some aspects, it is even better. I believe local products are far more competitive."

However, these beers could not be sold in cans or bottles at retail stores under previous regulations. The government has decided to ease this rule through the end of this year, allowing the sale of craft beers at supermarkets and convenience stores. During the day, parking space at residential apartments are largely empty. From now on, local authorities will be able to operate such spaces as semi-public parking lots during workday hours with consent from the residents. A 483 kilometer long coastal road connecting Geoje and Goheung in Korea's southern region will be revamped into a sightseeing course. The government has unveiled 152 measures to facilitate investment in a range of industries including cable cars, electric vehicle recharging stations and senior citizen-related sectors.

[Soundbite] Yoo Il-ho(Deputy Prime Minister) : "The government believes the measures will help boost local economies and foster promising industries in the aging society to be conducive to social issues related to the aging population."

The method of the plans' implementation will be the key, as many of the announced measures face challenges including disputes regarding environmental damage and protests from existing businesses.