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Na Seung-sik, Deputy Minister for Trade, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Haeyoung] Some of our companies that have entered the New Southern Region are facing difficulties such as temporary suspension of operations and production cuts due to the spread of COVID-19, prompting the government to conduct a comprehensive inspection.

On the 28th, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy held a video conference with related organizations by trade and industry to check the difficulties faced by our companies due to the spread of COVID-19 in the New Southern Region. At this meeting, participants shared the response status of each country in the New Southern Region to the spread of COVID-19, the operational status and difficulties of our companies, and discussed response directions.

Currently, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam are strengthening social distancing due to a rapid increase in COVID-19 cases caused by the spread of the Delta variant. In some countries and regions severely affected by the spread of COVID-19, difficulties such as temporary suspension of operations and production cuts are occurring. Vietnam allows conditional operations including lodging and meals within factories in the southern region, Indonesia requires 50% workforce except for essential industries, and Malaysia prohibits operations except for 60% workforce in essential industries.

Our companies have presented difficulties such as ▲ employee safety issues due to the spread of COVID-19 ▲ difficulties in material supply caused by supply chain disruptions, logistics and customs delays ▲ issues with business trips due to strengthened quarantine upon entry and exit. In particular, they requested support for local vaccination for small and medium-sized enterprises and Korean community companies, and shortening of quarantine periods (exemption for vaccinated individuals) when entering Korea or the counterpart country.

Na Seungsik, Deputy Minister for Trade of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, stated, "With the resurgence of COVID-19 in the New Southern Region due to the spread of the Delta variant, the pandemic threat to the global supply chain and our companies operating locally has entered a new phase," adding, "We will do our best to resolve industry difficulties through close cooperation with related ministries." He also urged, "Trade support organizations and industry associations and groups should thoroughly monitor locally, support companies, and manage risks."