IBK, Supports 64,000 Hand Sanitizers and More for Self-Employed Affected by COVID-19

Approximately 9,000 Units Provided to Severely Affected Daegu and Gyeongbuk Areas... Support for Flower Farms and Early Budget Execution Plan

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Haeyoung] IBK Industrial Bank of Korea announced on the 1st that it plans to provide hand sanitizers and disinfectants free of charge to small business owners and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) struggling due to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

The total support amount is approximately 64,000 hand sanitizers and disinfectants. About 9,000 units will be distributed to the severely affected Daegu and Gyeongbuk regions. Starting from the 4th, these will be provided to small business owners and operators near branches nationwide through branch offices.

An IBK official stated, "All branch offices nationwide are part of the local economy," adding, "We have prepared hygiene and quarantine supplies with the intention of coexisting with small business owners and self-employed people, who are the main agents of the local economy."

IBK plans to also revitalize domestic demand through the 'Flower Dream' event and early budget execution.

To support flower farmers and florists who are facing difficulties due to the reduction of graduation and entrance ceremonies, IBK will purchase flowers and potted plants from flower farms and florists. The purchased flowers and potted plants will be presented to customers nationwide through branch offices from the 9th to the 13th.

IBK has also decided to advance the timing of purchasing customer gifts and office supplies. The purchase budget, originally scheduled for execution after the second quarter, will be executed early starting in March. Customer gifts will only be purchased from SME products sold through small business owners.

An IBK official said, "As a policy bank, we will actively prepare financial and non-financial support measures to fulfill our social responsibility and role," adding, "We will take the lead to help small business owners and SMEs affected by the spread of COVID-19 and, furthermore, the local economy."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.