South Korea's Finance Minister says effective prevention of COVID-19 is an essential precondition for economic recovery.
Hong Nam-ki made the remarks on Thursday at a joint video conference of G20 finance and health ministers to discuss countermeasures against the crisis.
He explained the Korean New Deal initiative and the country's efforts to contain the virus without shutting down businesses.
He said adequate levels of economic activity should be maintained based on strict virus prevention measures.
The other ministers reflected South Korea's stance that COVID-19 vaccines should be accessible to all as a global public good.