Environment Minister Vice Minister Meets Water Companies to Hear Difficulties... "Expand Export Support and Rent Reduction"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] The Ministry of Environment held a meeting on the 5th at the National Water Industry Cluster in Dalseong-gun, Daegu, to encourage water companies struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic and to discuss solutions.

Presided over by Vice Minister Hong Jeong-gi of the Ministry of Environment, the 'Communication and Empathy 100℃, Water Companies Meeting' was attended by about 20 officials including Lee Seung-ho, Deputy Mayor for Economic Affairs of Daegu City; Jeong Sang-yong, Director of the National Water Industry Cluster Project Group; Min Kyung-seok, President of the Korea Water Technology Certification Institute; and Choi In-jong, Chairman of the Resident Companies Council (CEO of Midni).

At the meeting, water companies requested active support from the Ministry of Environment, as it is difficult to develop international market channels due to COVID-19.

In response, the Ministry of Environment promised to serve as a stepping stone for overseas exports of the water industry by expanding exports of water company products to New Southern countries and promoting joint research between overseas research institutes and water companies.

The Ministry of Environment decided to extend the reduction of rent and facility usage fees for resident companies until the COVID-19 infectious disease crisis alert level is lifted, and also to reduce facility usage fees for water companies that are not resident companies, in order to alleviate corporate burdens.

Resident companies received a reduction of 39 million KRW in rent and facility usage fees from February to April this year.

Vice Minister Hong visited two excellent water companies among the resident companies, Samjin Precision and Midni, to listen to their difficulties such as business suspension due to COVID-19 and encouraged the officials. He also delivered masks and hand sanitizers to the Resident Companies Council to ensure that new and small-to-medium water-related companies can work safely despite COVID-19.

Vice Minister Hong said, "Despite the difficult international conditions, I ask that you demonstrate the spirit of overcoming crises of the Korean people and contribute to the development of the water industry," and added, "The government will also strive to resolve the difficulties of water companies through continuous communication."