KOSME Steps Up to Boost Key Local Industries Including K-Shipbuilding

Kang Seokjin Listens to On-site Voices of Eight Promising SMEs in Geoje, Tongyeong, and Goseong
Strengthening Communication with Companies Through "KOSME On the Move"

The Korea SMEs and Startups Agency (KOSME) announced on July 15 that it visited the JL Heavy Industries Geoje OB Plant in Geoje, South Gyeongsang Province, to hold an on-site communication meeting as part of its "KOSME On the Move" initiative. This visit was organized to listen directly to the challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and to explore support measures for revitalizing key local industries in Geoje, Tongyeong, and Goseong, including the K-Shipbuilding sector.

The meeting was attended by Kang Seokjin, Chairman of KOSME, as well as Yoon Jinseok, CEO of Geonwoo Tech and Chairman of the Gyeongnam SME Convergence Association, along with seven other SME representatives from the Geoje, Tongyeong, and Goseong regions.

The main agenda included: ▲ an introduction to KOSME support programs for the shipbuilding industry, such as the Co-Growth Network Loan; ▲ discussions on a phased support system to revitalize key local industries; and ▲ listening to management challenges and suggestions for improvement from SMEs.

In particular, the attending representatives offered a variety of opinions, including calls for expanded policy funding to restore competitiveness and ensure the sustainable growth of key local industries such as K-Shipbuilding, measures to prevent technology leakage from SMEs, and the need for securing skilled professionals.

In response, KOSME announced plans to provide tailored support that matches the growth stages and specific needs of companies operating in local specialized industries, through a variety of SME support programs such as policy loan projects, workforce development, and technology support initiatives.

Kang Seokjin, Chairman of KOSME, stated, "We are continuously visiting company sites through 'KOSME On the Move' to listen directly to the difficulties faced by SMEs and to find solutions together. We will actively reflect the opinions from the field and work even harder to boost the vitality of key industries in Geoje, Tongyeong, and Goseong, including K-Shipbuilding."

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