The government Monday said it will concentrate on offering comprehensive assistance to people and businesses affected by Typhoon Maemi, alongside alleviating unemployment among young people.

In a meeting chaired by President Roh Moo-hyun at Cheong Wa Dae, government policymakers also stressed the importance of present and future economic growth and the need to work with the civilian sector to tackle critical outstanding issues.

The government said 18 state and commercial banks have pledged to offer 400 billion won to aid businesses hurt by Typhoon Maemi and that the money would be offered at an interest rate of 3 percent.

The state moreover said that up to 100 billion won would be provided to stabilize operations for small- and medium-sized businesses, while 60 billion would go to helping merchants at traditional markets.

In particular, though the storm has caused agricultural prices to soar and this year's rice harvest may drop compared to the annual average, the situation could stabilize in October, especially as the government plans to increase imports of produce.