[2022 National Audit] Minister Lee Young "Bill on Delivery Price Linkage System to be Released as Early as Late October"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] During the National Assembly audit of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, there were criticisms that the government is lukewarm about legislating the linkage system for supply prices. In response, Minister Lee Young stated that the related bill contents will be discussed with the National Assembly as early as the end of this month.

On the 6th, Kim Kyung-man, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, pointed out at the National Assembly Industry, Trade, and SMEs Committee audit that "there is a reasonable suspicion that the government is deliberately delaying the legislation of the supply price linkage system."

Kim criticized that large corporations participating in the pilot project of the supply price linkage system operated by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups have insight into the subcontractors' costs and operating profits, which raises suspicions of violating the Subcontracting Act.

He added, "The Fair Trade Commission plans to review the pilot operation results of the supply price linkage system before considering legislation, and the Ministry of SMEs and Startups has neither reviewed the bills proposed by lawmakers nor presented a government bill, nor has it prepared a plan to review the pilot operation results," delivering harsh criticism.

Furthermore, Kim said, "Regardless of party lines, there is active support for legislating the supply price linkage system, but the government is boycotting the review of the bill and delaying legislation," urging cooperation for legislation.

In response, Minister Lee Young said, "I am the minister in charge who listens to the passionate voices of small business owners on the ground," and added, "I am not shaking their hands in front and delaying the law behind their backs."

He emphasized, "The process of submitting bills by lawmakers and the government is complicated and arduous," and said, "Just by looking at the revised versions of the bills, you can see how much effort is being made."

He continued, "We hope for a supply price linkage system that can operate effectively on the ground and are prioritizing the pilot project involving large corporations," adding, "We have been in constant discussions with related ministries and recently reached an agreement on wording that resolved constitutional concerns. After further review of that part, we expect to discuss the related contents with lawmakers as early as late October or early November."