Gwangju City Ranks 1st in Local Government Social Economy Policy Evaluation

Positive Reviews for Social Economy Enterprise Development and Expo

On the 22nd, Gwangju City took first place in the "National Local Governments Social Economy Policy Evaluation," sponsored by the Ministry of Employment and Labor and hosted by the National Network for the Activation of Social Economy, receiving the Minister of Employment and Labor Award. Photo by Gwangju City

On the 22nd, Gwangju City ranked first in the 6th National Local Government Social Economy Policy Evaluation and received the Minister of Employment and Labor Award.

Sponsored by the Ministry of Employment and Labor and hosted by the National Network for Social Economy Activation, the social economy policy evaluation quantitatively and qualitatively assessed 17 indicators across four areas?policy foundation maintenance, support level, governance, and more?targeting local governments nationwide. Three metropolitan and six basic local governments were selected as 'excellent institutions.'

Despite the suspension of government financial support, Gwangju City allocated 3 billion KRW from the city budget to foster social economy enterprises unique to Gwangju. In particular, this evaluation praised excellent policies such as hosting the 3rd Gwangju Social Economy Expo, nurturing social economy talent, providing social economy financial support, and revitalizing public procurement of social economy products.

The social economy enterprises in the Gwangju area amount to 1,552, including 244 social enterprises, 1,209 cooperatives, 66 village enterprises, and 33 self-support enterprises.

With this award, Gwangju City has been selected as an excellent institution for three consecutive years, following the 2022 National Social Solidarity Economy Local Government Council Chairman Award and last year's National Network for Social Economy Activation Co-Chairperson Award.

Shin Chang-ho, Director of Labor and Job Policy, said, “Gwangju City has achieved excellent results in the policy evaluation through continuous fostering and technical support of social economy enterprises. We will continue to do our best to ensure that the Gwangju-type social economy can circulate virtuous cycles by realizing social values such as providing jobs and social services for vulnerable groups.”