Desperate to escape the poverty and despair left in the wake of the Korean War, the government launched the first round of the five-year economic development plan. Under the government leadership, the willing public wholeheartedly participated in the projects to build infrastructure, boost agricultural productivity, and increase export. As a result, Korea's economy grew at an average of over 7% every year and the foundations for future prosperity were solidly put in place. More importantly, the nation's remarkable economic performances helped the world take notice of Korea as an emerging economic power.