Finance Minister Lee Hun-jai has stressed that sustainable economic growth depends on social cohesion and stability.

Lee made the remarks Friday in a keynote speech at the Korea Day seminar, on the eve of the 37th annual meeting of the Asian Development Bank on the resort island of Jeju.

Lee said the government will ensure free and fair competition among market players, quickly stressing that no one is to be left behind.

On long-term growth, Lee cited the need for clear vision and thorough preparation, saying Seoul is placing top priority on building an advanced market economy where efficiency, transparency and accountability reinforce one another.