South Korean President Lee Jae-myung said a supply chain crisis triggered by the Middle East war should be used as an opportunity for industrial restructuring and stressed the creation of a Korean-style sovereign wealth fund. He warned that the global trade order is at a major turning point as free trade retreats and geopolitical risks deepen. Lee also urged government-led demand creation through public procurement and protection of advanced technology and talent.

South Korea\'s Ministry of Science and ICT said on April 10 parliament approved a 78.7 billion won supplementary budget for projects to support recovery and growth. The ministry said its total budget for this year will rise to 23.83 trillion won. Measures include expanded support for youth tech startups through science and technology institutes and R&D zones, vouchers to help traditional firms buy AI transition solutions from startups, and funding to speed commercialisation of carbon capture and utilisation demonstration facilities.