Kim Dong-yeon Meets SME Entrepreneurs, Saying "Thank You and Sorry"

Visit to Junggi Joonganghoe "Breaking the Taboo of Catch-up Economy"
"SMEs and Venture Companies Must Become the Main Players in National Wealth Creation"

Former Deputy Prime Minister Kim Dong-yeon [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] Former Deputy Prime Minister Kim Dong-yeon, who has announced his candidacy for the presidential election, met with small and medium-sized business owners to listen to their voices from the field and presented his economic policy plans. Kim emphasized that small and venture businesses should become the main players in national wealth creation and break the taboo of the follower economy.

On the morning of the 5th, Kim visited the Korea Federation of SMEs in Yeouido, Seoul, and held a meeting with Kim Ki-moon, president of the Federation, and small business owners from various industries. During his tenure as Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, he visited the Federation four times, and even after stepping down, he took part in the closing lecture of the '2019 SME Leaders Forum,' sharing his past experiences and life philosophy, leading communication with the industry.

In his greeting that day, he said, "I can express two personal sentiments to small business owners," adding, "I cannot help but say 'thank you' and 'sorry.'"

He continued, "I am grateful to the small business owners who are struggling with technology development, new product development, and market expansion under harsh and difficult conditions," and "I pay my respects and thanks for their silent role as the backbone of our economy."

He also said, "As someone who has overseen economic policy, I cannot help but feel a sense of responsibility and say sorry for the problems small businesses face." He mentioned difficulties such as minimum wage increases, reduced working hours, tax issues, and the gap with large corporations.

Furthermore, Kim asserted, "Small and venture businesses must become the main players in our economy and national wealth creation and break the taboo of the follower economy."

He added, "Small and venture businesses must expand economic territories such as digital, global, and North Korea to enter advanced countries," emphasizing, "There must be a 'bottom-up rebellion' where the voices of numerous small business owners are reflected in major decision-making."

In response, President Kim Ki-moon said, "Former Deputy Prime Minister Kim has been an economic expert emphasizing the role of small businesses for the development of our society," and urged, "I hope he will work to reflect the voices from the small business field to solve polarization issues and abolish corporate regulations so that Korea can become a 'Republic of Opportunity.'"