청 “미래대응기금, 책임 있는 재정운용 위해 조성…적재적소 투자”

President Moon Jae-in announced on April 26 the establishment of a new fund called "Future Response Fund" to ensure responsible financial management. A spokesperson for the presidential office explained that this fund was created to address the need for responsible financial operations, particularly in times of high tax revenues.

The goal is to invest in various sectors, including youth, growth dynamism, local governments, and education, with a particular focus on future technologies such as SMRs, fusion energy, renewable energy, quantum technology, aerospace, and advanced biotechnology. The spokesperson stressed that the fund's purpose is to prepare for the future by investing in emerging industries and seven key areas, including advanced supply chains.

The spokesperson also acknowledged that increased revenue may lead to a reduction in government bond issuance, but warned that this is not a guaranteed outcome due to the uncertainty of future tax revenues. They added that investing in the future through the fund could generate greater benefits in the long run. The spokesperson emphasized the need for separate funding for higher and lifelong education, as the current financial structure makes this challenging.

They proposed including a "educational talent account" in the future response fund to address this issue. Finally, the spokesperson expressed optimism that the upcoming annual budget will show a significant reduction in debt levels and even repay some of the government's existing bonds, setting a positive tone for the upcoming year.