Korea Federation of SMEs Holds 'Distribution and Logistics Industry Committee' Meeting

Discussion on Utilization Plans for the SME 'Smart Logistics Center Certification System'

Korea Federation of SMEs. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Hyewon] The Korea Federation of Small and Medium Business (KSMB) discussed the common interests of the distribution and logistics industries regarding the ‘Smart Logistics Center’ and conducted an on-site inspection of the industry on the 27th.

On this day, KSMB jointly held the Distribution Industry Committee and the Logistics Industry Committee at the KSMB office in Yeouido, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul.

The committees were composed of heads of related cooperatives and federations, as well as academics, researchers, and private sector experts.

Seosangbeom, head of the Excellent Logistics Company Certification Center at the Korea Transport Institute, who gave the keynote presentation, explained the necessity of introducing smart logistics centers, the certification procedures, and expected effects under the theme of ‘Introduction Plan for Smart Logistics Center Certification System.’

Center head Seo said, “Through smart logistics centers, it is possible to reduce over 70% of space and labor, and overseas countries such as Germany are rapidly advancing the smartization of logistics facilities alongside smart factories. However, in Korea, about 36.3% of the approximately 7,000 logistics warehouse facilities were constructed before 2000, resulting in severe aging. Therefore, active inducement to smart logistics centers through support measures such as the introduction of a smart certification system is necessary.”

Last month, the government amended the Enforcement Decree of the Logistics Facilities Act to establish legal grounds for administrative and financial support for smart logistics centers.

Accordingly, when certified as a smart logistics center, the government can subsidize part of the costs for equipment and system introduction or provide low-interest loans. Additionally, building regulations have been relaxed, such as applying the upper limits on floor area ratio and height according to ordinances when constructing or remodeling smart logistics centers.

Im Wonbae, chairman of the Distribution Industry Committee at KSMB, said, “Amid the difficulties caused by COVID-19, small and medium business representatives who are barely continuing their operations are ready to actively take on challenges if even small changes can become a breakthrough for their business. We will do our best at the committee level to actively propose to the government so that policies for smart distribution and logistics can be effectively established and utilized in the field of small and medium enterprises.”

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