Now we fear that we will face the same level of pain and suffering we experienced during the Asian financial crisis 10 years ago. Unfortunately recent business survey indexes declined to levels seen during the Asian financial crisis. The prevailing global economic recession will not allow the Korean economy advance singlehandedly.

 However, we must try to lesson the pain and suffering by employing more effective strategies. The U.S. is taking stimulus measures. President-elect Barack Obama said, We haven't a single minute to waste in our efforts to overcome the economic crisis.

 Apart from the $700 billion financial bailout package, the FRB plans to release an additional $800 billion to help stabilize the housing market and to support households. The U.S. Congress is also drafting a new economic stimulus package valued at up to $700 billion. In this regard, it is urgent that the government and political circles devise practical strategies to overcome this crisis.

 Fortunately, I guess Iksan is going to face a real happy new year. On December 26th, Ministry of Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries announced that it is going to create a 'National Food Cluster' in Iksan. The National Food Cluster project is scheduled to supply 1 trillion won from next year till 2015 to establish a food specialized complex.

 Then 400ha of land in Iksan City's Wanggoong-myeon will be a Northeast Asian food hub by attracting domestic and international food companies and related institutes. More than 100 domestic and foreign food corporations and more than 10 research centers are expected to be induced to the cluster.

 So Wonkwang University, located in Iksan, has to be prepared for future job openings in the National Food Cluster. Chances will come only to those who are prepared to catch them. We have no time to waste. We have to hurry to be those who can catch the coming chances. An opportunity once lost is lost forever.