[Deputy Manager Column] The Power of Connection for SMEs and COVID-19

Novel Coronavirus Infection
Confirmed Cases Spread in China, Japan, etc.
Ministry of SMEs and Startups, Korea Federation of SMEs, etc.
Prevention of Spread and Damage Response

[Asia Economy Kim Daeseop, Deputy Director of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups] There is a word called 'connection (連結).' It means that things or phenomena are linked or related to each other. Although it is a commonly used word, we sometimes fail to experience the power that connection holds in our lives.

Life is a continuous series of connections. The power of connection is infinite, but often its strength is lost due to selfishness or indifference among people. The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which has unsettled the entire world, is no exception.

China, the country where the first COVID-19 patient was reported, and Japan, where anxiety surged due to recent consecutive outbreaks, missed the power of connection at critical moments, which exacerbated the situation.

If these countries had organically connected the public and private sectors from the beginning to build cooperative relationships and tackle the crisis, the scale of damage would likely have been smaller than it is now. In comparison, South Korea is evaluated as a country that has managed the situation well among the COVID-19 affected countries through the power of public-private connection.

In particular, the power of connection established by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, the Korea Federation of SMEs, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-sized companies in response to the COVID-19 crisis is noteworthy. The Ministry and the Federation, with the help of companies, are supporting relief supplies such as masks to ensure the safety and resumption of operations of domestic SMEs operating in China.

This was possible thanks to 'good mask manufacturing companies' like Evergreen Co., Ltd. and SRESM Korea Co., Ltd., which voluntarily contributed to stabilizing supply amid the mask shortage. These efforts have played a significant role in enabling Korean companies in China to resume operations.

The same applies domestically. Mask and hand sanitizer manufacturers are actively engaging in corporate social responsibility for the 'public good' by donating products to protect the health and safety of the people.

The power of connection is demonstrating its strength in overcoming the crisis of COVID-19 spread. Of course, on the contrary, there are bitter reports of companies exploiting the COVID-19 situation for 'private gain.' It is very unfortunate, but 'bad companies' that reject or are indifferent to the power of connection inevitably exist.

Self-employed business owners are also gradually regaining hope. A restaurant visited after a long time has started to see an increase in customers again.

Despite the reduced foot traffic due to COVID-19, the steady visits from regular customers have helped restore vitality. The power of connection linking people and its positive influence are giving courage to many who feel gloomy and anxious because of the COVID-19 spread.