Sohn Kyung-shik, Chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) For the past year, the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry was able to carry out the planned tasks helped by the wholehearted support and participation by KCCI members. Now that the New Year has dawned, I will spare no effort in protecting the rights and enhancing the welfare of KCCI members. To this end, I will stand at the forefront in breaking the bottlenecks that hinder Korean businesses by requesting the government to find solutions to any rules and institutions unfavorable to making investment. I will also focus on invigorating the local economies. I will make suggestions to the government jointly with local Chambers of Commerce, and play the role of an intermediary between the government and local firms so that substantial assistance can be made to local SMEs. Moreover, I will further activate CEO breakfast meetings and the Advanced Management Program and enhance the effectiveness of our operations. By doing so, KCCI can provide accurate management information and expedite the communication with policy makers of the government. In addition, I plan to upgrade KorChamBiz, the comprehensive web site that provides information on more than 200,000 companies and 1.2 million products, and increase users' convenience along with thorough aftermanagement. Through such efforts, KorChamBiz can consolidate its place as a leading business portal in the nation. In the midst of an ever-changing business environment with free trade agreements and negotiations on the Doha Development Agenda, KCCI will assist the global management of member companies through systematic cooperation with Chambers of Commerce around the globe. For resolving labor shortages, KCCI will continue to carry out the project to foster and supply technicians and engineers sought by industries through our human resource development agencies operated in 8 locations around the nation. Furthermore, we will do our part in preparing measures to restructure the rigid education system so that tailor-made, high-quality workforce can be fostered and catered to the labor market. Also, we will successfully carry out such tasks and devote our energies on making internal innovations in order to be reborn as a Chamber of Commerce admired and trusted by member companies. I believe that corporate power and competitive edge in human resource can be strengthened only when all the members of an organization are rearmed with innovative minds, and when outcome-oriented organizational culture takes root. Since the nation's economic crisis in the late 1990s, it has become an inescapable challenge for us to make endless changes and innovations. And, we are left in a situation where our survival is uncertain if we go against such a tide of transformation. Whether we are dragged down by changes or take this challenge as a new opportunity all depends on the choice we make. In this vein, I am humbled to ask for your unwavering interest and support so that the Chamber of yours can take firm root as a top business institution that embraces all, true to its name. Lastly, but not the least, you have shown kind support despite all the difficulties last year. Thank you, and I wish you the very best.