[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] Lee Young, Minister of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, visited Tongin Market located in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 25th to listen to the voices from the field regarding the loss compensation system for small business owners and encouraged merchants struggling due to COVID-19.
This visit was arranged to convey the new government's policy message of "complete recovery and new leap of small business owners" and to give hope and courage to traditional market merchants and small business owners.
The minister visited stores that received loss compensation payments, listened to honest opinions from merchants about difficulties and shortcomings in the compensation receipt process, and promised to make thorough preparations to execute the budget immediately once the supplementary budget bill passes the National Assembly.
He also spent time shopping at Tongin Market and listening to the hardships of merchants, encouraging those who quietly protected the local commercial districts despite COVID-19.
At a restaurant within Tongin Market, he held a meeting with Jeong Heung-woo, president of the merchants' association, and other association officials to discuss suggestions and share opinions on ways to revitalize traditional markets.
The minister stated, "The top priority for revitalizing traditional markets is to transform them into places that can attract customers' footsteps," adding, "We will prepare customized support plans tailored to each market's characteristics such as location, products handled, and nearby tourist attractions, and expand traditional market infrastructure including delivery services."
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