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  • Concerns Rise Over Security as North Korea Expands Military Activities Near Border
    Concerns Rise Over Security as North Korea Expands Military Activities Near Border Amid increasing military activities by North Korean forces near the Military Demarcation Line (MDL), concerns are growing over security policies following the easing of response guidelines by the 1st Corps and discussions on merging military academies.Reports indicate that while North Korea is expanding roads near the MDL, South Korean forces have not issued warning broadcasts or conducted warning shots, leading to further controversy.Debate Erupts Over Easing of North Korea Response GuidelinesRecently, SBS reported that the 1st Corps has eased its response guidelines toward North Korea. According to the report, since Major General Han Gi-seong took command of the 1st Corps in November 2022, a 'no live fire' order has been issued during frontline surveillance operations. It is also reported that warning broadcasts and shots, which were previously conducted when North Korean troops approached the MDL, have not been carried out.A military official told SBS, "When North Korean soldiers approach the MDL, our troops are supposed to sequentially issue warning broadcasts and shots, but despite several instances of North Korean incursions this spring, this was not done. There was also no work done to secure visibility in the front lines. We believe this is related to the easing of the Corps Commander's operational guidelines toward North Korea."North Korea Constructs Tactical Road Near DMZIn the meantime, it has been confirmed that North Korea has recently constructed a new tactical road leading toward the MDL within the demilitarized zone (DMZ). BBC reported that satellite images obtained recently show North Korea building this new road in the DMZ near Kaesong, heading toward the MDL.The satellite images released by BBC depict the new road extending toward the MDL, with some sections approaching within approximately 260 meters of the line, just 13.5 kilometers from Munsan in Paju. This has raised alarms.In response, South Korean military officials have deemed this construction a violation of the armistice agreement. The Joint Chiefs of Staff stated, "North Korea is expanding roads within 100 meters of the MDL, and the construction of obstacles and roads in this area is a clear violation of the armistice agreement."Government Considers Merging Military Academies Amid Security ThreatsDespite ongoing military activities by North Korea, the government is reviewing plans to merge the Army, Navy, and Air Force military academies. President Lee Jae-myung, during a defense ministry briefing on August 5, questioned, "How many military coups have occurred in South Korea? Haven't they all happened in the Army?"He continued, "Those from the Army Academy have been responsible for these events, yet has anyone been held accountable? A significant proportion of high-ranking generals are from the Army Academy." He also raised concerns about the potential for future coups, referencing last year's state of emergency.However, it remains unclear whether President Lee's mention of the need to merge the military academies was due to concerns over coup possibilities or aimed at improving the personnel structure dominated by the Army Academy.Online reactions have connected the discussions on merging the academies with the President's comments about military coups, with some users suggesting, "Isn't this just an attempt to eliminate the Army Academy out of self-preservation?" and "It seems that concerns over coups take precedence over security." Others noted, "While North Korea is building tactical roads, we are only contemplating the elimination of military academies."Conversely, some argued that there is a need to improve the personnel structure dominated by Army Academy graduates and that linking the merger discussions solely to coups is an overinterpretation.Defense Minister's Comments on Military Academies Spark ControversyDuring the same briefing, Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-baek stated, "There are not many countries with military academy systems. Even communist countries like Russia and China do not have military academies, and many countries have one- or two-year officer training programs. Only a few countries operate separate military academies, and many countries merge them for operation."However, examining international examples reveals that many countries, while differing in structure, operate military educational institutions for officer training. The United States has four-year military academies, including West Point, the Naval Academy, and the Air Force Academy, which combine academic programs with officer commissioning.In the UK, officer training occurs at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst after university graduation, while France combines its grand école system with military education for officer training. Russia also operates military universities for different branches, typically offering five years of education before commissioning officers with a bachelor's degree.Both China and North Korea have military universities and officer academies, while Vietnam operates military universities and officer schools under its Ministry of Defense. Australia, Canada, Japan, and India have integrated military academies but maintain a system for specialized officer training afterward.Thus, while operational methods differ by country, most military powers maintain a structured system for professional officer training.Following these developments, online voices of concern have emerged. Regarding North Korea's construction of tactical roads, comments included, "Why is our country standing still?" and "Why do we have to see this on BBC?" Others expressed, "If this isn't a security threat, what is?" and "Are we forgetting why we suffered during the Korean War?"Regarding the discussions on merging military academies, comments included, "Shouldn't we have military academies in a ceasefire country?" and "Why spread lies that can be easily debunked with a quick search?" 2026-08-06 11:04:10
  • Rising Demand for Energy Transition Amid Middle East Conflicts: KOTRA Expands K-Green Tech Exports
    Rising Demand for Energy Transition Amid Middle East Conflicts: KOTRA Expands K-Green Tech Exports As instability in energy supply chains grows due to conflicts in the Middle East and the prolonged Russia-Ukraine war, foreign companies are increasingly seeking domestic eco-friendly technologies. South Korean firms are exploring opportunities in overseas markets, particularly in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, by showcasing their resource recycling and renewable energy technologies.The Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) announced that it held an export consultation event linked to the '2026 GreenEnerTEC' exhibition from August 5 to 6 at the Songdo Convensia in Incheon.Hosted by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Incheon Metropolitan City, the event was co-organized by KOTRA and the Incheon Tourism Organization. A total of 15 buyers from countries including Vietnam, Serbia, China, and Kuwait conducted 124 export consultations with 60 domestic companies.Now in its fifth year, GreenEnerTEC is a specialized exhibition for business-to-business transactions in the environmental and renewable energy sectors. The exhibition runs from August 5 to 7, featuring approximately 130 companies and 250 booths showcasing products and solutions related to carbon neutrality, water treatment, renewable energy, and eco-friendly plastics.During the consultations, inquiries were made not only about energy production technologies but also about solutions applicable to urban infrastructure, such as waste management and resource recycling.Aritech Bio, which has developed food waste recycling solutions, discussed collaboration opportunities with local buyers involved in Kuwait's smart city project. They explored the potential for supplying waste management technologies for urban development projects in the Middle East.Daesin MC, a manufacturer of industrial cleaning equipment, consulted with six overseas companies, including those from Nigeria and Kuwait. They signed business agreements with some buyers and agreed to discuss future product supply and local business cooperation.By hosting the exhibition alongside the consultation event, overseas buyers were able to directly assess products and technologies. On the second day of the consultations, buyers visited the exhibition booths of domestic companies for further discussions.A representative from Kuwait Sunrise Corporation stated, "We participated again because we had previously discovered trading partners through GreenEnerTEC. We hope to engage with more Korean companies." The International Energy Agency has analyzed that energy supply disruptions due to conflicts in the Middle East are reshaping investment plans across countries and highlighting the importance of energy security and supply chain diversification.While the global energy transition market is expanding, actual export success from consultations will depend on local certifications, price competitiveness, and after-sales support systems. The smart city and renewable energy sectors often involve projects initiated by governments and public institutions, making collaboration with local operators crucial for securing contracts.Kim Sam-soo, head of KOTRA's Incheon Support Center, remarked, "As supply chain instability continues, foreign companies are paying attention to eco-friendly and energy transition technologies. We will strengthen demand discovery and on-site support to help domestic companies enter overseas supply chains."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 11:04:00
  • Rep. Bae Jun-young Criticizes President Yoon for Pressuring Citizens
    Rep. Bae Jun-young Criticizes President Yoon for Pressuring Citizens Bae Jun-young, a lawmaker from the People Power Party, criticized President Yoon Suk Yeol on August 6, stating that the president is pressuring citizens to be "good Samaritans."During an appearance on KBS Radio's "Current Affairs," Bae said, "People view their homes as their most valuable asset and are willing to go to great lengths to secure or protect them, yet the president claims that 'housing is merely a place to live' and suggests that they should simply follow the tax measures as they are."Bae expressed concern that the government's recently announced real estate tax reform would lead to several adverse effects. For instance, he noted that if non-resident homeowners decide to occupy their properties to avoid higher taxes, it would reduce supply in the real estate market, and any tax burden would largely be passed on to tenants."The president and the government have lied. They said they would only suspend the special taxation on capital gains for multiple homeowners until May, but now they are extending it for another two years. Will people sell their homes under these conditions?" Bae questioned, adding, "Similarly, they will not bear the tax burden themselves and will pass it on to tenants."He emphasized that tax reform significantly impacts citizens' lives and requires clear objectives and public understanding. "However, they are merely using phrases like 'normalization of taxation' and 'fair taxation' without substance," he asserted.Bae also referenced the previous administration's increase in property taxes, which led to soaring rental prices, warning that the new measures targeting high-value properties and multiple homeowners would severely affect the housing market and rental sector. "Ultimately, it will harm tenants, non-homeowners, and young people," he predicted.Regarding real estate supply measures, he stressed the need for a "private sector-led expansion." He remarked, "The government is trying to lead public rentals, but the Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) is struggling. Therefore, rentals should be managed by the private sector, but all related benefits have been eliminated."Bae questioned the logic of building numerous apartments and residential facilities in the metropolitan area while claiming to reduce its population. "Even aside from that, residents in the metropolitan area need green spaces and areas to breathe. It is not right to suggest that constructing only apartments is the ultimate solution," he argued.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 11:04:00
  • Safety Concerns Raised Over Imported Inflatable Water Toys
    Safety Concerns Raised Over Imported Inflatable Water Toys Many inflatable water toys sold on overseas online platforms do not meet domestic safety standards. All 18 adult water toys surveyed failed to meet the criteria, and 18 out of 20 children's products were also deemed unsuitable.The National Institute of Technology and Standards under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on August 6 that it had investigated 484 children’s products, household items, and electrical goods sold on overseas direct purchase platforms, finding 94 products that did not comply with domestic safety standards, leading to distribution bans.The overall non-compliance rate was 19%, nearly four times the average non-compliance rate of 5% for domestically distributed products in the first half of this year. The investigation focused on water toys and children's textile products, which see high demand during the summer.Out of 228 children’s products surveyed, 51 did not meet safety standards. Specifically, 21 inflatable water toys, 18 children’s textile products, 5 infant textile products, and 3 children’s leather products were found lacking.Notably, 18 out of 20 inflatable water toys for children failed to meet standards, resulting in a non-compliance rate of 90%. Some products were found to have thinner tube walls than the standard or lacked auxiliary air chambers to maintain buoyancy in case of an accident.Among 33 children’s outerwear items, including sandals, raincoats, and hats, 13 were deemed unsuitable, resulting in a 39% non-compliance rate.In the category of household items, 23 out of 111 products did not meet standards. All 18 inflatable water toys surveyed were non-compliant, and two electric scooters and two regular scooters also failed to meet safety standards.Of the 145 electrical products examined, 20 were found to be non-compliant. The most common were 10 LED lighting fixtures, followed by 6 direct current power supplies and 3 batteries. The non-compliance rate for LED fixtures was 45%, with 10 out of 22 failing to meet standards.The National Institute of Technology and Standards has made information about the 94 non-compliant products available on the Product Safety Information Portal and Consumer 24. They have recommended that overseas direct purchase platform operators remove the product information and requested the Customs Service to block their import.Kim Dae-ja, head of the National Institute of Technology and Standards, urged consumers to carefully check product information before purchasing overseas direct purchase items, noting, “As these products do not have KC certification, we will continue to conduct safety investigations on overseas direct purchase products in the second half of this year to prevent the influx of hazardous products into the country.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 11:04:00
  • Lotte Energy Materials Reports 2nd Quarter Operating Loss of 16.9 Billion Won
    Lotte Energy Materials Reports 2nd Quarter Operating Loss of 16.9 Billion Won Lotte Energy Materials continued to experience operating losses in the second quarter of 2026. The company plans to improve its performance through the full-scale operation of its battery foil plant in Malaysia in the second half of the year.On August 6, Lotte Energy Materials announced its preliminary results for the second quarter, reporting sales of 194.2 billion won and an operating loss of 16.9 billion won. Sales increased by 21.5% from 159.8 billion won in the previous quarter, while the operating loss narrowed compared to 31.1 billion won in the same period last year. The company maintains a debt ratio of 31.5% and a borrowing ratio of 18%.Lotte Energy Materials attributed the significant revenue increase to rising sales of BBU for AI data centers, high-output small batteries for power tools, and circuit boards for energy storage systems (ESS) in North America.The circuit board market has rapidly shifted from conventional IT circuit boards to high-end circuit boards optimized for AI data centers. The expansion of high-tech technology into the general PCB sector has led to significant changes in the technical application of circuit boards. Notably, demand for non-Chinese products has increased in North America, raising expectations for the expansion of high-value circuit board sales.In response, Lotte Energy Materials began full-scale operations at its fifth plant in Malaysia in July and plans to accelerate the operation of its sixth plant, aiming for early production in the fourth quarter. The Malaysian battery foil plant is set to transition to full production and sales.CEO Kim Yeon-seop stated, "We will enter a growth trajectory in the AI data industry based on our differentiated portfolio, from high-end circuit boards to battery foil products. We will continue our efforts to grow into a global top-tier materials company." Meanwhile, Lotte Energy Materials, the only circuit board manufacturer in South Korea, previously announced plans to quadruple its circuit board production capacity by the first half of 2027 to meet the growing demand from AI applications.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 11:00:20
  • Korea Kolmar Establishes First Coral Toxicity Testing System for Sunscreens
    Korea Kolmar Establishes First Coral Toxicity Testing System for Sunscreens Korea Kolmar has established a testing system to verify the impact of sunscreens on marine ecosystems using coral. The company announced on August 6 that it has passed the coral environmental toxicity test conducted by the French environmental toxicology assessment agency ReefTox. Korea Kolmar explained that it is the first domestic cosmetics manufacturer to secure a toxicity testing system for sunscreens using coral. ReefTox evaluates the impact on marine ecosystems by exposing cosmetic ingredients and finished products to coral for a specified period, measuring bleaching, tissue loss, and survival rates. Depending on the product characteristics, tests may involve 12 or 50 types of coral, and the results will support environmental labeling for the products. Last year, Korea Kolmar signed a memorandum of understanding with ReefTox to establish testing procedures applicable to its clients' products. If the sunscreens developed and produced by Korea Kolmar pass the tests, they can display a certification mark. This allows consumers to easily verify the coral safety testing of the products, while clients can obtain objective test results to support their environmental claims. Recently, Korea Kolmar conducted tests on one type each of inorganic and organic sunscreens. Both products were found to show no significant toxicity to coral under the testing conditions. Based on this, Korea Kolmar plans to operate a support system connecting sunscreen formulation development with environmental toxicity testing for its clients. Regulations on sunscreens to protect marine ecosystems have been tightening recently in the U.S., Europe (EU), and Australia. Following Palau's ban on certain sunscreen ingredients in 2020, interest in eco-friendly sun care products has been rising. Korea Kolmar stated, "We plan to actively support our clients' entry into the global market based on this verification system."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 11:00:00
  • Police Charge Former Cheongju City Councilor Choi Young-jung with Child Prostitution
    Police Charge Former Cheongju City Councilor Choi Young-jung with Child Prostitution Police have transferred Choi Young-jung, a former Cheongju City Councilor, to prosecutors on charges of child prostitution.According to legal sources on August 6, the Cheongju Cheongwon Police Station has applied charges against Choi for statutory rape of a minor, production of sexual exploitation materials, solicitation of sexual services, sexual conversations for exploitation, and coercion, mediation, and sexual harassment of minors under the Child Welfare Act.Choi is accused of engaging in sexual relations with middle school students three times over the course of a year, starting in October 2024, in vehicles and motels, and demanding that they send nude photos.He allegedly offered the victims additional money if they brought friends or sisters along and is reported to have shown them videos of sexual acts with other women. Additionally, he sent messages suggesting sexual relations with women of different nationalities, indicating a pattern of sexual harassment.In response, police conducted simultaneous searches of Choi's office in the Cheongju City Council, his residence, and his vehicle's black box on July 15. They also collected internet usage records from his office PC.Furthermore, police have identified another minor victim who may have been targeted by Choi around the same time and have initiated additional investigations.During the police investigation, Choi submitted his cell phone, from which authorities discovered nude photos of a woman believed to be a minor in a school uniform, leading to an expansion of the investigation to include this individual as a victim.However, Choi reportedly denied the charges, claiming he was unaware that the individuals were minors, despite admitting to the sexual encounters during police questioning.On July 30, the Cheongju District Court conducted a pre-arrest hearing for Choi and issued a warrant, citing concerns over potential evidence destruction. Following the expiration of the detention period, police transferred Choi to prosecutors. Investigations into additional victims are expected to continue.Choi, born in 1991, graduated from primary, middle, and high school in Cheongju and earned a degree in Korean Language and Literature from Paichai University. He entered politics by joining the People Power Party ahead of the 2022 presidential election.He has since served as the vice chairman of the People Power Party's Chungbuk Provincial Party, the secretary of the Cheongju Seowon Party Committee, and the campaign manager for candidate Kim Moon-soo in the 21st presidential election. Choi was elected as a city councilor in Cheongju in the June local elections.However, following the search and travel ban due to the child prostitution allegations, the People Power Party expelled Choi, who subsequently resigned from his position as a city councilor.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 10:56:00
  • Ruling Party Criticizes Oppositions Call for National Investigation into Leverage ETFs
    Ruling Party Criticizes Opposition's Call for National Investigation into Leverage ETFs The Democratic Party criticized the main opposition People Power Party on August 6 for calling for a national investigation into the leverage ETF situation, stating, "In the past, when issues arose, evidence was presented to call for a national investigation, but these days it seems like it’s just because they disagree with something."Kim Sung-hwa, the party's floor spokesperson, made these remarks after a policy coordination meeting at the National Assembly. He added, "I believe that conducting national investigations every time a national policy is established is not a solution."He further stated, "This is an excessive attitude. We should point out any issues in the policy-making process before bringing up the idea of a national investigation."Earlier, senior spokesperson Kang Jun-hyun also expressed on August 1 that while the issue regarding leverage ETFs is serious, it does not warrant a national investigation as claimed by the People Power Party.Meanwhile, Park Seong-hoon, the senior spokesperson for the People Power Party, announced on August 1 that he would pursue a national investigation into single-stock leverage ETFs, stating, "We will thoroughly investigate who ignored warnings about the risks and who pushed forward despite them." 2026-08-06 10:52:10
  • Jang Dong-hyuk Criticizes President Lee for Ignorance of Criminal Procedure Law
    Jang Dong-hyuk Criticizes President Lee for Ignorance of Criminal Procedure Law 장동혁 국민의힘 대표는 6일 이재명 대통령이 형사소송법 개정안을 '안 읽어봤다'고 언급한 것에 대해 "참담하다"며 "역사의 죄인으로 남을까봐 책임을 회피하는 것이거나 국민과 나라는 관심 없고 본인밖에 모르거나 형사소송법 개정안이 절대 통과돼선 안 되는 법이라는 걸 인정하는 것"이라고 주장했다.장 대표는 이날 국회에서 열린 최고위원회의에서 "대한민국이 생긴 이래 대통령이 역대급 망언을 쏟아내고 있는데 너무 태연하고 아무렇지도 않게 망언을 쏟아내고 있어서 국민들은 망언인지도 느끼기 어려울 정도"라며 이같이 말했다.장 대표는 "보완수사권 폐지하는 형사소송법 개정안 때문에 대한민국 전체가 떠들썩했다"며 "60% 넘는 국민이 아직도 반대하고 있다"고 지적했다.이어 이 대통령의 발언에 대해 "지금 대한민국 대통령이 이승만 대통령 아니냐고 묻는 것과 똑같은 것 아니냐"며 "이 대통령의 정신세계가 궁금하다"고 했다.그는 "아무리 생각해봐도 있을 수 없는 개정안에 대해 두고두고 역사의 죄인으로 남을까봐 법조문을 잘 안 보고 통과시켰다고 책임을 회피하는 무책임한 대통령의 모습을 보여주는 것이든지, 아니면 국민과 나라는 관심 없고 나는 나밖에 모른다, 나 외에는 관심없다는 것"이라고 주장했다.또 "다시 생각해봐도 개정안이 절대 통과돼선 안되는 법안이라는 걸 인정하는 것"이라며 "장윤기 사건을 비판하면서 조작되고 묻히는 사건들이 발생할 수 있다고 그렇게 문제제기 했는데 이제와서 사건 암장에 대한 대책이 있냐고 묻는 대통령을 우리가 대통령으로 인정해냐 하느냐"고 반문했다.아울러 "정성호 법무부 장관이 개정안에 대해 빛의 속도로 개정됐다고 했다"며 "이 대통령이 형사소송법 법조문을 읽어보지도 않았다면 결국 정권이 빛의 속도로 무너질 것"이라고 경고했다.그는 이 대통령이 육·해·공군 사관학교를 통합하면 쿠데타 가능성이 줄어들 것이라고 말한 것에 대해서도 "역대급 망언"이라며 "최근 북한은 군사분계선 일대 전술 도로를 넓히며 우리 철책 코앞까지 내려오는데, 우리는 삼단봉으로 위병소 지키게 하고 최전방 군인들에게 빈총 경계 서게 하고 있지 않나. 국방 농단"이라고 강조했다.이어 "근무지 이탈했던 국방부 장관과 우리 병사가 죽어가는데도, 보고를 받았을 텐데도 유유자적하며 한가롭게 골프치는 대통령이 대한민국 국방과 안보를 무너뜨리는 국방 농단"이라고 덧붙였다. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 10:52:10
  • South Koreas Economic Growth Forecasts Improve Amid Semiconductor Boom
    South Korea's Economic Growth Forecasts Improve Amid Semiconductor Boom International perceptions of the South Korean economy are becoming more favorable. The ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) raised its forecast for South Korea's real GDP growth to 3.1% in a report released on July 28, an increase of 0.7 percentage points from its previous estimate. On August 5, Morgan Stanley also upgraded its growth forecast for the South Korean economy to 3.4%. Global investment banks, which had previously expressed concerns about low growth, sluggish domestic demand, and geopolitical uncertainties, have shifted their stance. The government is confident in achieving a 3% growth rate this year. Given that growth was limited to the 1% range last year, this marks a significant reassessment of the South Korean economy.The upward revision in forecasts cannot be attributed solely to a temporary economic rebound. The semiconductor boom, driven by increased investment in artificial intelligence (AI), is boosting both exports and corporate investment. With a surge in demand for AI memory from Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, there is a positive feedback loop of rising exports, expanded capital investment, and improved tax revenues. The government's initiatives, including the expansion of AI data centers, power infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing—collectively referred to as the 'three mega projects'—are also contributing to this optimism.Notably, the growth is not limited to the semiconductor sector. The shipbuilding industry continues to thrive with high-value ship orders, while the defense sector is expanding its export markets globally. The automotive industry is accelerating its transition to electric vehicles, hybrids, and software-defined vehicles (SDVs), and the nuclear power sector is seeking to increase overseas orders. South Korean manufacturing as a whole is rapidly adapting to a new industrial order based on AI, garnering positive feedback from foreign investors. Unlike in the past, when recovery in specific sectors drove economic rebounds, the current trend shows that advanced manufacturing across the board is providing growth momentum.However, it is important not to become complacent with the 3% figure. It is still premature to declare that the national economy has fully recovered. While exports remain strong, domestic demand, construction, and the self-employed sector are recovering at a slower pace. If the benefits of growth do not spread across industries and regional economies, even high growth rates may not translate into tangible improvements for the public.There are also significant external variables to consider. Changes in U.S. trade policy, fluctuations in energy prices due to Middle Eastern tensions, and a slowdown in the Chinese economy pose risks that could disrupt growth rates. The AI investment cycle may also be affected by long-term supply expansions and shifts in demand. While semiconductors are undoubtedly a core pillar of the South Korean economy, an excessive reliance on specific industries presents another risk.More important than the growth rate itself is the quality of that growth. Investments and tax revenues generated from the semiconductor boom must be channeled into AI infrastructure, power networks, advanced manufacturing, software, robotics, and talent development. Regulatory innovation, swift permitting processes, stable power supply, and research and development investments must also be supported. With the growth rate increasing, it is crucial to focus national efforts on enhancing future industrial competitiveness rather than merely expanding consumer spending.A 3% growth rate is a welcome achievement. This rebound must be solidified as a new growth trend for the South Korean economy. A calm and realistic approach is necessary. Ultimately, the strength that sustains the sustainability of the national economy comes from industrial competitiveness, productivity, and forward-looking investments. 2026-08-06 10:52:00