[Korea Federation of SMEs]
[Korea Federation of SMEs]

SMEs and Startups minister meets SME group leaders 10 days after taking office

Kim Ki-moon calls for small firms' inclusion in national projects to share economic gains

SME sector urges concrete steps on deregulation, large state project access

Korea Federation of SMEs Chairman Kim Ki-moon has called on Minister of SMEs and Startups Lee So-young to take a more active role in narrowing the widening gap between large conglomerates and small and medium-sized enterprises. He urged the government to expand SME participation in major national projects so that the benefits of economic stimulus can reach smaller businesses.

The Korea Federation of SMEs said Thursday that Lee met with SME group leaders at the federation's Leaders Room in Yeouido, Seoul. The gathering came just 10 days after Lee took office on Sept. 28, marking her first formal meeting with key SME association heads.

Fifteen SME sector representatives attended, including federation Senior Vice Chairman Bae Jo-ung, Korea Women Entrepreneurs Association President Park Chang-suk, Venture Business Association President Song Byung-jun, Korea Women Venture Association President Sung Mi-suk and Innobiz Association President Jeong Gwang-cheon. From the ministry, Lee was joined by Planning and Coordination Director General Kim Woo-jung and SME Policy Director General Park Yong-sun.

Kim expressed concern over the growing disparity between large corporations and small businesses.

"The gap between large and small companies is widening," Kim said. "Addressing this polarization is a shared challenge that the ministry and the SME sector must tackle together." He added that it was important for small businesses to participate in national projects and share in the tangible benefits of economic revitalization.

SME representatives asked Lee to follow through on her pledges — made during her confirmation hearing and inauguration — to push deregulation and expand small businesses' access to large-scale state projects.

At her inauguration on Sept. 28, Lee said she would serve as a "deregulation minister" committed to removing unreasonable regulations. She also outlined a policy direction aimed at ensuring SMEs and small merchants are not left behind in the AI transition, and at broadening small businesses' participation in large national-level projects.


hong@heraldcorp.com