Cried Out in Front of the Presidential Office... "Mentor of Junior Companies, SMEs"

'2023 Korea Small and Medium Business Conference' Held

"Our small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which have been running forward focusing only ahead, now aim to grow together with future generations." This was the cry of SME entrepreneurs resonating in front of the Presidential Office in Yongsan, Seoul. SMEs pledged to serve as mentors for junior companies. It is not only SMEs. Entrepreneurs also vowed their respective roles such as "a pillar of the national economy, entrepreneurial small business owners," "the main agents of youth employment, venture companies," "women entrepreneurs, nurturing future generations," "platform companies of sharing and cooperation," and "partners of openness and cooperation, large corporations" at the SME Entrepreneurs Convention held on the 23rd.

The Korea Federation of SMEs (Chairman Kim Gi-moon) announced that it held the '2023 Korea SME Entrepreneurs Convention' on the 23rd at the lawn in front of the Presidential Office in Yongsan. Marking its 34th year, the SME Entrepreneurs Convention was held for the second consecutive year at the Presidential Office (Yongsan) following last year. About 500 people including President Yoon Suk-yeol, government officials, heads of SME-related organizations, distinguished contributors to SMEs, and the heads of the nine largest conglomerates attended the event.

President Yoon Suk-yeol is performing the "'Ham'kke 'Seong'janghaneun Daehanminguk" (Hamseong Korea Declaration Ceremony) with attendees at the '2023 Korea Small and Medium Business Conference' held on the lawn of the Presidential Office in Yongsan, Seoul, on the 23rd. [Image source=Yonhap News]

The slogan of this year's convention is "SMEs Running Again, Korea Growing Together." It highlights the economic history of overcoming crises that enabled Korea to join the ranks of the world's top 10 economies through the efforts of SMEs and venture entrepreneurs, and looks forward to the next 100 years, aiming to leap forward as a world-class nation with the strength of SMEs, venture entrepreneurs, and the vitality of small business owners.

On this day, a total of 92 government awards were presented, including the Gold Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit to exemplary SME entrepreneurs, outstanding workers, contributors to development, and excellent organizations. The Gold Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit was awarded to Chairman Kim Ju-in of Sees Global and CEO Ko Seok-jae of Kyungjin Forging. Chairman Kim dedicated over 50 years to a single glove product, achieving a 20% global market share in the ski glove sector and also developing firefighting gloves. CEO Ko contributed to the development of Korea's forging industry and created quality jobs.

Kim Gi-moon, Chairman of the Korea Federation of SMEs, said, "The government and enterprises must become one team to succeed in regulatory reform, which is the top priority of the current administration," adding, "Through the 'Raising the Five Degrees of Livelihood Vitality Campaign' led by the SME sector, we will take the lead in revitalizing the everyday economy by promoting the purchase of Onnuri gift certificates and more."

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