The greater the difficulties we face, the more investment we should make in science and technology in preparation for the future, said President Lee Myung-bak on Dec. 8. He also said, "Investment in future technologies is the basic solution to the current economic difficulties." He made these remarks in a meeting with the country''s leading scientists and engineers at the Korea Hall of Science and Technology that afternoon.

President Lee said, "Now is a golden chance for us to make a leap forward to become an advanced nation. Therefore, we should try to overcome the current crisis and make thorough preparations for the future that will come once the crisis is over."

He then asked the scientists and engineers to proactively take part in nationwide efforts to overcome the economic crisis as soon as possible, and businesses to focus more on investing in research and development, which will enhance their global competitiveness.

About 800 people, including leading scientists and engineers, business leaders, and academics, attended the meeting hosted by the Korean Federation of Science and Technology Societies. At the meeting, the scientists and engineers pledged to lead the nationwide efforts to overcome the economic difficulties.

President Lee''s first meeting with leading scientists and engineers in the New Year carries great significance, in that it was an opportunity for scientists and engineers to strengthen their resolve to lead nationwide efforts to tide over the current economic crisis and lay a firm foundation that would never be shaken under any kind of future economic crisis, Cheong Wa Dae said.