Korea SMEs and Startups Agency (KOSME) said on the 27th that it held an on-site communication program, "KOSME on the road," with member companies of the Gwangju-Jeonnam Federation of SME Convergence at THE H Global in Buk-gu, Gwangju.
The event was attended by Chair Kang Seok-jin of Korea SMEs and Startups Agency (KOSME), Chair Im Gi-taek of the Gwangju-Jeonnam Convergence Federation, and about 20 others, including representatives of roughly 15 member companies. The Gwangju-Jeonnam Convergence Federation is a regional business network that includes small and medium-sized enterprises from various sectors such as manufacturing, retail and wholesale, and services.
That day, Korea SMEs and Startups Agency (KOSME) outlined key programs, including policy financing, export and market access support, innovation-driven growth, and support for corporations' structural improvement. It also sought alternatives on funding, workforce, and investment challenges encountered in running corporations.
Representatives of corporations at the roundtable conveyed on-the-ground views on policy proposals and operational difficulties, including: ▲ strengthening policy financing support in light of the global economic slowdown and high interest rates ▲ expanding the share of export voucher support for regions outside the Seoul metropolitan area.
Chair Kang said, "With the belief that the answers are on the ground, we are visiting corporations directly," adding, "We will not stop at a one-off visit, and we will continue communication and solutions so that the voices of corporations can lead to real policy-making and support."
Now in its second year, "KOSME on the road" is putting emphasis on a "solution-oriented program" focused on resolving challenges corporations face on site, moving beyond conventional field communication to include artificial intelligence (AI) pre-diagnosis, on-site counseling, and linkage to consulting programs.
Last year, through a total of 69 sessions, it communicated with 2,193 SME executives and employees and listened to 629 on-site difficulties. Its achievements were recognized with a Presidential Commendation for contributions to regulatory innovation.