Candidate Kim Eun-hye, "I will build a growth ladder for small and medium enterprises"... Announces SME policy pledge

Smart Office Platform Construction, Expansion of Zero-Interest Loans, and Other Support Measures Presented

Kim Eun-hye, People Power Party Candidate for Gyeonggi Province Governor [Kim Eun-hye Candidate Election Camp]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ra Young-cheol] Kim Eun-hye, the People Power Party candidate for Gyeonggi Province governor, announced on the 22nd a pledge focused on supporting the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), talent development, and digital transformation, stating, "We will create a growth ladder for SMEs and support innovation."

On the same day, Kim emphasized, "As of 2019, SMEs in Gyeonggi Province account for 24.7% of the nationwide total, making it the metropolitan area with the most SMEs," and added, "We will maximize the outcomes of corporate support, such as strengthening the competitiveness of SMEs in the province through practical assistance."

To this end, aiming for a 'Comprehensive Support Package for SME Growth,' she promised ▲support for creating remote work environments for SMEs ▲financial support for SMEs ▲scale-up support for SMEs.

First, Kim proposed building systems and providing consulting support to enable remote work for SME employees in the province, in line with the changing times such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

In particular, she pledged to "establish a 'Our Neighborhood Smart Office Platform' that shares remote work environments in nearby shared offices, vacant offices, cafes, churches, and other spaces, and pays usage fees."

Along with this, she promised to expand local tax reductions and additional investment tax cuts for SMEs pursuing reemployment after workforce reduction, strengthen financial support such as reducing government fees and other charges, and defer national tax payments. She also announced the expansion of 'zero-interest emergency loans' with long-term repayment options.

Kim also presented plans to foster unicorn companies in the province by establishing scale-up governance with innovative SMEs and seeking diversification of growth support through collaboration systems with private specialized accelerators.

Furthermore, to promote 'SME talent development and digital transformation support,' she announced plans to establish a free ICT digital school, the 'Gyeonggi-do-style Ecole 42' (a software education institution featuring teacherless self-learning and horizontal project-based learning to cultivate creative and innovative talent), aiming to produce 2,000 software developers annually.

Additionally, she pledged to promote the digital transformation of SMEs by advancing smart process system construction, building a cloud-based smart factory platform, and providing expert consulting support.

Kim said, "Despite the severe economic situation and various regulatory burdens, practical support measures for SMEs designing Korea's future are urgently needed," adding, "After taking office as governor, I will be a strong pillar for restoring the growth ladder of SMEs in the province and creating quality jobs."