(LEAD) Gov't, ruling party vow to join forces to revitalize economy

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SEOUL, July 7 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's presidential office, government and the ruling Saenuri Party on Thursday agreed to work together to support key state policies amid rising concerns over a slowdown in economic growth and security threats posed by terrorists.

"There are piles of difficult issues to be solved, but we do not have much time," Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn said. "But there is still hope if the ruling party, government and presidential office expand cooperation by putting a top priority on the country's future and the public's happiness."

The prime minister added the trilateral meeting should focus on speeding up labor and economy reforms while beefing up security measures to better guard the country from terrorist groups such as the Islamic State.

Chung Jin-suk, the floor leader of the ruling Saenuri Party, echoed the view, adding the presidential office and the government must do more to communicate with the public.

"As the presidential elections will take place next year, we do not have much time," Chung said.

"Amid the slump in the global economy, the public has been struggling with various burdens," said Presidential Chief of Staff Lee Won-jong. He pointed out that the country must also cope with such issues as restructuring in some key industries.

"The public wants the government and the ruling party to unite, while the ruling and opposition parties should join forces to stabilize the country's economy," Lee added, highlighting the importance of trilateral cooperation.

South Korea's presidential office has been trying to forge deeper ties with Saenuri, especially as its lawmakers continue to clash between various factions even after its painful defeat in the April 13 polls.

President Park Geun-hye, meanwhile, will invite all Saenuri lawmakers to a luncheon on Friday where the chief executive is expected to ask the party for cooperation to push forward critical reform bills.

The participants agreed to speed up establishing detailed plans on an extra budget to revitalize the national economy, adding they will make efforts to have the plan passed swiftly in the National Assembly.

During the meeting the officials also agreed to come up with safety measures on chemical goods after products made by Britain's Oxy Reckitt Benckiser claimed dozens of lives in South Korea.

The so-called humidifier disinfectant case came to light after four pregnant women died of lung problems from unknown causes in 2011. A government-led investigation confirmed a connection between the victims and the chemicals used to clean household humidifiers.

Among the 221 victims confirmed by South Korea, 177 had used Oxy products. Out of 90 deaths, 70 are believed to have been caused by products made by the British company.

The participants also agreed to expand compensation for environmentally friendly automobiles that could help reduce fine dust levels in major urban centers.

colin@yna.co.kr
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