President Lee Jae-myung praised the Ministry of SMEs on August 4, stating, "This year, exports in the first half reached an all-time high. Thank you for your hard work."
During a report from the Ministry of SMEs held at the Blue House, President Lee emphasized, "The growth of small and medium enterprises, which are the roots and true backbone of the South Korean economy, is essential for everyone's growth."
The export amount for small and medium enterprises in the first half of this year was $64 billion, an 11.6% increase compared to the same period last year, marking a record high.
He also urged the normalization of the 'Startup for All' project, a key initiative of his administration, which has stalled following a data breach incident affecting 5,000 initial applicants since its launch in January.
President Lee stated, "It is crucial to provide policy support so that small and medium enterprises can establish a sustainable growth foundation through manufacturing innovation, beyond mere protection." He added, "I hope the Startup for All project can be pursued steadfastly, allowing anyone with an idea to challenge entrepreneurship without fear of failure."
He pointed out that the employment rates and job quality of good companies are declining, a trend that could worsen with the rise of artificial intelligence. He noted, "The demand for good jobs will continue to grow, and ultimately, we must break through through entrepreneurship. South Korea seems to need a major transformation into a startup-centric nation."
President Lee also called for enhanced policy support to ensure that the benefits of large corporations' growth reach small and medium enterprises and small business owners. He urged the creation of a cooperative business ecosystem that allows the warmth of growth to reach small and medium enterprises, small business owners, and local markets, while also emphasizing the importance of revitalizing local economies and strengthening management and financial safety nets.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.