Mask Manufacturing Industry "Expand MB Filter Imports"... Hong "Will Actively Promote"

Visit to KM, a mask manufacturer, on the 9th
COVID-19 crisis affecting lives and economy... "Let's unite strength and wisdom"

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Sehee] Hong Nam-ki, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, stated, "We will actively promote the expansion of imports of MB filters and the increased use of cloth masks."

On the 9th, Deputy Prime Minister Hong visited KM, a mask manufacturing company located in Anseong, Gyeonggi Province, to inspect the production status and related difficulties.

The government announced that from tomorrow (the 10th) until the 14th, a five-day period, mask producers and sellers who voluntarily report hoarding will be exempt from punishment.

This visit was made to directly inspect the mask production sites and listen to the industry's difficulties regarding mask supply.

Before the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Hong expressed his gratitude for the efforts of companies dedicated to expanding mask production.

Hong emphasized, "Masks serve as ammunition and bulletproof helmets protecting the safety of not only medical staff and patients fighting against COVID-19 but also all citizens." He added, "The COVID-19 crisis is a serious issue that greatly affects the lives and economy of the entire nation, and we must gather everyone's strength and wisdom."

At the meeting, companies stated, "We face difficulties in raw material supply, expansion of production facilities, and mask-related regulations," and suggested, "It is necessary to expand KF80 production, import MB filters, and increase the use of cloth masks."

In response, the Deputy Prime Minister said he would actively pursue related measures. Additionally, he added that the government would actively consider ways to absorb the increased mask supply through government stockpiling even after the COVID-19 situation stabilizes.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Economy and Finance announced that it will continue to listen to and promptly resolve the difficulties faced by companies related to masks and MB filters.