Kim Kyun-ho, Gwangju Seo-gu Council Member, Proposes Support Policies for Small Business Owners and SMEs

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Shin Dong-ho] Kim Gyun-ho, a member of the Gwangju Metropolitan City Seo-gu Council, proposed "four policies for small business owners and SMEs in Seo-gu, Gwangju."

On the 26th, during the 2nd plenary session of the 306th regular meeting, Councilor Kim stated in a 5-minute free speech, "Small and medium-sized enterprises and small business owners can be said to be the backbone of the national economy, the foundation of the common people's economy and the regional economy," adding, "The reality is not easy as the adverse external economic conditions such as high oil prices, high interest rates, and high exchange rates have recently overlapped with the COVID-19 situation that has continued for three years."

He then mentioned the four policies for small business owners and SMEs.

He said, "Seo-gu has enacted support ordinances for SMEs and small business owners, but there is no basis for prioritizing the purchase of local products," and argued, "Through the revision of the ordinance, it is necessary to promote the priority purchase of local SME products by the district office and its affiliated investment and donation institutions."

He also demanded, "Compared to large corporations, the income and welfare gaps of SME workers and small business owners are widening, so to alleviate and supplement this, welfare support facilities for small business owners should be established within the Sangmu District Urban Convergence Special Zone."

He continued, "SME cooperatives play an important role in the regional economy by promoting joint projects such as joint technology development, joint purchasing, and sales, which are difficult for SMEs and small business owners to carry out individually, but the support basis for this is insufficient," urging the enactment of ordinances for fostering and supporting SME cooperatives.

Furthermore, he said, "Gwangju supports micro small business owners by accumulating a monthly subscription incentive of 10,000 won for new subscribers with sales under 300 million won, enabling them to prepare for closure on their own. Also, from this year, Jeonnam has matched budgets with 22 cities and counties to provide 20,000 won monthly support," and requested, "Considering financial conditions, Seo-gu should also review support to expand the social safety net for small business owners."

Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Shin Dong-ho yjm3070@asiae.co.kr