Lunchbox Manufacturing Large and Medium Enterprises Win-Win Agreement... Dongbanwi Actively Plays 'Mediator' Role

The Win-Win Growth Committee announced on the 12th that it signed a "Win-Win Agreement between Large and Small-Medium Enterprises in the Lunchbox Manufacturing Industry" at the Sheraton Seoul Palace Gangnam Hotel in Seocho-gu, Seoul. From the left, the fourth person is Kim Kyung-man, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea; the fifth is Kwon Ki-hong, Chairman of the Win-Win Growth Committee; and the sixth is Choi Seung-jae, a member of the United Future Party. Photo by Win-Win Growth Committee

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Hyewon] The Win-Win Growth Committee plans to play an active mediating role in the win-win agreement between large and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) in the lunchbox manufacturing industry.

On the 12th, the Win-Win Growth Committee announced that it signed a "Win-Win Agreement between Large and Small-to-Medium Enterprises in the Lunchbox Manufacturing Industry" at the Sheraton Seoul Palace Gangnam Hotel in Seocho-gu, Seoul.

Kwon Ki-hong, Chairman of the Win-Win Growth Committee, emphasized, "The lunchbox manufacturing industry requires continuous hygiene management for consumer welfare," adding, "I hope this agreement becomes a model case of win-win growth overcoming the difficulties caused by the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19)."

The agreement involved five large companies manufacturing lunchboxes (Lotte Food, Shinsegae Food, Pulmuone Foods, Fresh Serve, BGF Food) and the Korea Meal Cooperative representing SMEs.

The large companies agreed to regularly support SMEs in hygiene management and research and development, while the SME sector committed to strengthening the self-sustainability of SMEs.

The Win-Win Growth Committee will form and operate a win-win council for this agreement and act as a "mediator" by verifying the implementation of the agreement. According to the Committee, if the agreement is not fulfilled, it will intervene more actively than before, including playing a mediating role.

The lunchbox manufacturing industry was first designated as a suitable industry for SMEs on January 1, 2012, followed by a second designation on January 1, 2015, and a win-win agreement was in place from July 1, 2018, to June 30 of last year. Since then, a review for designation as a livelihood-type suitable industry has been underway.

Meanwhile, lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties with backgrounds in the SME sector attended the signing ceremony, attracting industry attention. This is interpreted as opening the possibility that difficulties arising during the implementation of the agreement may be reflected in future legislative efforts.

Kim Kyung-man, a member of the Democratic Party and former head of the Economic Policy Headquarters of the Korea Federation of SMEs, said in a congratulatory speech, "I hope this becomes a good example of large and small-to-medium enterprises growing and developing together amid the difficulties caused by COVID-19 and flood damage." Choi Seung-jae, a member of the United Future Party and former president of the Korea Federation of Micro Enterprise, said, "At a time when non-face-to-face activities are increasing due to the COVID-19 crisis, I hope this agreement will help expand the lunchbox industry and lead to increased sales channels for small business owners."