Lee Bok-hyun Visits Gwangju Bank, Hopes Loan Rate Cuts Become Driving Force for Small Business Owners

Lee Bok-hyun, Governor of the Financial Supervisory Service [Image source=Yonhap News]

Lee Bok-hyun, Governor of the Financial Supervisory Service, visited the headquarters of Gwangju Bank on the 31st to encourage financial support measures such as loan interest rate reductions and the Gwangju-type franchise.

That morning, Governor Lee held a 'Regional Small Business Support Meeting' with Kim Ki-hong, Chairman of JB Financial Group, Ko Byung-il, President of Gwangju Bank, and Baek Jong-il, President of Jeonbuk Bank. He said, "We appreciate Gwangju and Jeonbuk Banks for preparing financial support measures for financially vulnerable groups, including lowering loan interest rates and expanding financial products for low-income earners," adding, "I hope this will be a driving force for small business owners and financially vulnerable groups to overcome the difficult economic environment."

Governor Lee expressed regret, saying, "It is unfortunate that small business owners in the Gwangju area are facing increased difficulties as large corporate franchises encroach on the local economy amid persistent high inflation and high interest rates." He added, "Gwangju Bank, Gwangju City, and the Gwangju Credit Guarantee Foundation are making great efforts to foster 'Gwangju-type franchises' and other initiatives." He further noted, "Since the Gwangju and Honam regions are famous for their abundant and delicious food, there will be good results if the local characteristics are utilized."

In the afternoon, Governor Lee is also scheduled to visit the Gwangju Artificial Intelligence (AI) Startup Camp site to encourage young entrepreneurs.

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