South Korea’s commerce minister on Friday urged continued efforts by public firms, especially energy companies, to reduce their debts and enhance their productivity as the government pushes speedy normalization of their debt-laden business and lax management.

The renewed call came at a special meeting with the heads of 16 public firms under the wings of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy to review their promised efforts.

“While urging the company heads to implement their earlier normalization plans without any disruption, Minister Yoon Sang-jick asked the companies to maintain or increase their investment related to safety,” the ministry said in a press release.

Yoon also warned that those who fail to meet their goals may be sacked, according to the ministry. (Yonhap)