Gu Jacheon, Chairman of Changwon Chamber of Commerce, "Support for Small Business Owners, Startup Ecosystem for Youth"

Gu Ja-cheon, Chairman of Changwon Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Gyeongnam. [Image source=Changwon Chamber of Commerce and Industry]

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Seryeong] “This year, we will focus on empowering small business owners through the economic council and further developing the youth startup ecosystem.”

Ku Jacheon, chairman of the Changwon Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Gyeongnam, said this at a press briefing on the 11th.

Chairman Ku reflected on the year, stating, “Despite difficulties caused by COVID-19 and high interest rates, we have created an atmosphere where businesses can survive.”

He cited last year’s major achievements, including the launch of the Changwon Economic Council, the establishment of Changwon Business Day and the Kind Consumption Boom event, signing a business agreement with the Korean American Chamber of Commerce in Orange County, USA, and the traditional market visit and Cheer Up Changwon Hope Sharing activities.

“We created the council to share policies related to regional economic development and job creation across all fields and to directly convey the voices of the business community in preparing demand-centered policies,” he explained.

Chairman Ku said, “Although the economic outlook index for Gyeongnam centered on Changwon is only 71 this year, looking at the bigger picture, I believe we can recover soon thanks to certain industries.”

He added, “It is most important to have many young people stay in Changwon and attract youth from other regions to Changwon,” and said, “We will put all our efforts into including a Youth Startup Award within the Changwon Business Awards so that young people can start businesses and create jobs in Changwon.”

This year, the Changwon Chamber plans to ▲hold consumption promotion events ▲expand support projects for small business owners ▲expand the startup festival to revitalize youth entrepreneurship ▲implement business restructuring and recruitment support projects ▲and promote exchanges with overseas industrial cities.

Chairman Ku said, “Through the economic council, we will convey the voices of companies and collaborate with Changwon City to develop agendas for sustainable regional growth,” adding, “We will continue to serve as an open channel to resolve the difficulties faced by local businesses this year as well.”