Government Expands "First Step" Export Support for Nuclear Power SMEs and Mid-Sized Companies... Assisting Entry into Global Supply Chains

23 Companies Newly Selected...

Comprehensive Support from Consulting to Finance and Certification

Tailored Assistance Enhanced with the Introduction of a Two-Track Support System

Exterior view of Dukovany Nuclear Power Plant. Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

In response to the expansion of the global nuclear power plant market, the government is strengthening its support to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-sized companies enter overseas supply chains. In particular, the plan is to broaden the base for nuclear equipment exports by advancing a customized support system specifically for companies with limited export experience.

On April 29, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy held the launching ceremony for the third cohort of the "Nuclear Power Plant SME and Mid-Sized Company Export First Step Program" at the Changwon Convention Center (CECO) in Gyeongnam. The event was attended by Gang Gamchan, Director General for Trade and Investment at the Ministry, Kim Myungjoo, Vice Governor for Economic Affairs of Gyeongnam Province, the Korea Nuclear Industry Association, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency, Korea Trade Insurance Corporation, and other relevant organizations.

The "First Step Program" is designed to support the initial exports of SMEs and mid-sized companies in the nuclear equipment sector, covering the entire cycle from consulting to finance, certification, and marketing. This year, 23 companies have newly been selected as beneficiaries of the program.

Since 2024, the Ministry has supported a total of 37 companies, among which 7 have successfully signed independent export contracts worth approximately 41 billion won. The average support amount per company stands at about 82 million won.

The government is paying close attention to the rapidly increasing global demand for nuclear power, driven by the growth of the artificial intelligence (AI) industry and the expansion of data centers, which have led to higher electricity demand. Accordingly, there is a need to further reinforce the export support system for nuclear power plants and to pursue a strategic approach tailored to the characteristics of each national market, moving beyond the existing support methods.

Starting this year, the Ministry is introducing a "two-track" support system to expand tailored assistance that reflects the export capabilities and needs of each company. Through this, the government aims to lower entry barriers for export beginners, while providing more advanced overseas expansion strategies for companies with a certain level of capability.

Gang Gamchan, Director General for Trade and Investment, stated, "As the global nuclear power sector expands, the opportunity for our companies to secure new markets is becoming a reality," adding, "The government will provide proactive support not only for new nuclear power project contracts, but also to help companies enter overseas supply chains across all fronts."

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