Finance Minister Yoo Il-ho has pledged to prioritize boosting exports as a way to prop up the nation’s economy this year.
 
The remark came at a ministerial meeting on Wednesday, during which Yoo predicted that exports will rise in January for the third month in a row for the first time in 33 months.
 
He said the better export performance is prompting a recovery in equipment investment and other sectors. He announced plans to further promote exports with tailored support for promising export items and seek free trade agreements with high-potential markets.
 
Yoo also promised to help small and mid-sized companies grow into global players by providing information on overseas markets and systematic assistance in R&D and marketing.