S.O.S. Talk Held with KOSME Regional Headquarters
Suggestions Made to Expand Consignment Amount for Priority Purchase System of Joint Products by Small Enterprises
"We Will Strive to Improve Regulations That Can Be Felt in the Field"
Choi Seungjae, the Small and Medium Business Ombudsman, announced on April 22 that the 'S.O.S. Talk' event was held at the Daegu Regional Headquarters of the Korea SMEs and Startups Agency (KOSME), in collaboration with the Daegu Regional Headquarters, Gyeongbuk Regional Headquarters, Gyeongbuk Eastern Branch, and Gyeongbuk Southern Branch of KOSME.
The roundtable was organized to listen to the voices of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Daegu and Gyeongbuk regions, and to seek ways to improve unreasonable regulations and resolve difficulties faced by these businesses.
More than 20 participants attended the roundtable, including Ombudsman Choi, Ban Jeongsik, Director of Regional Innovation at KOSME, Wi Bongsoo, Head of KOSME Daegu Regional Headquarters, Lee Myeonggi, Head of KOSME Gyeongbuk Regional Headquarters, Choi Youngsik, Head of KOSME Gyeongbuk Southern Branch, officials from the Daegu-Gyeongbuk Regional Office of SMEs and Startups, and representatives of SMEs from the Daegu and Gyeongbuk regions.
Prior to the roundtable, Ombudsman Choi visited Inkoa, a medical device manufacturer located in Dong-gu, Daegu. Inkoa appealed that it faces significant costs in obtaining domestic and international clinical trial and medical device certifications, but government support is lacking. Ombudsman Choi responded that he would convey these concerns to the relevant ministries, including the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, and recommend solutions.
During the subsequent roundtable, Company A, which produces eco-friendly recycled fabrics in Yeongcheon, Gyeongbuk, requested an increase in the Public Procurement Service’s consignment contract amount for the 'Priority Purchase System for Joint Products of Small Enterprises.' The company explained that the current standard amount of 1 billion won makes it difficult to expand sales channels.
In response, the Ombudsman recommended raising the standard amount to 2 billion won, and the Public Procurement Service decided to pursue an increase in the standard amount in the second half of this year by gathering industry opinions.
In addition, participants raised various on-site regulatory issues and difficulties, including: ▲raising the limit on offset emission rights submitted through external greenhouse gas reduction projects, ▲improving inefficient procedures and convenience related to the Olbaro System (integrated waste management system), ▲registering powder-type pure chlorine dioxide as a water treatment agent, and ▲adding the agricultural sector to the selection criteria for designated companies for alternative military service.
Director Ban stated, "Going forward, KOSME will work even more closely with the Ombudsman to ensure that the voices from the field are actively reflected in policy through ongoing communication with local SMEs."
Ombudsman Choi said, "I will continue to convey the voices from the field to the relevant ministries and consult with them to achieve tangible results that businesses can truly feel."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
