Groundbreaking for Exclusive Air Logistics Center for SMEs
Scheduled for Completion by the End of 2026
On May 27, the Korea SMEs and Startups Agency (KOSME) announced that it had held a groundbreaking ceremony for an exclusive joint logistics center for small and medium enterprises at a construction site within the Second Airport Logistics Complex in Jung-gu, Incheon, in cooperation with Incheon International Airport Corporation.
The exclusive joint logistics center for small and medium enterprises (Smart Trade Hub) was selected as a national policy project in 2022 and is being promoted through collaboration among relevant ministries such as the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, as well as KOSME and the Airport Corporation. KOSME and the Airport Corporation signed an agreement in November 2022 to establish the Smart Trade Hub. Under this agreement, the Airport Corporation is responsible for providing land and constructing the facility within the Second Airport Logistics Complex, while KOSME oversees the installation of logistics equipment, selection of specialized logistics companies, and recruitment of participating enterprises.
Kang Seokjin, Chairman, is delivering a congratulatory speech at the groundbreaking ceremony of the exclusive logistics center for small and medium enterprises on the 27th. Jungjin Corporation
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Kang Seokjin, Chairman of KOSME; Lee Hakjae, President of the Airport Corporation; Choo Moongap, Head of Economic Policy at the Korea Federation of SMEs; Seo Dongman, President of the Korea Global CEO Association; Jung Gwangcheon, President of the Innobiz Association; as well as officials from the government and related organizations, and more than 100 representatives from export-oriented SMEs. Chairman Kang Seokjin stated, "In an uncertain economic environment, logistics is a key driver for the sustainable growth of export-oriented SMEs," and added, "We will ensure the successful completion of this national policy project without a single safety incident until its completion, in order to support the logistics needs of export SMEs."
The Smart Trade Hub will have a total floor area of 26,129 square meters and will be a four-story above-ground facility, constructed over approximately two years until 2026. It will consist of a bypass express cargo terminal, a commercial cargo terminal, and a fulfillment center to meet the diverse logistics needs of SMEs. In addition, smart logistics systems such as a deep learning-based AI vision system and automated warehouse robots will be implemented, operating as a "one-stop logistics platform" that provides integrated support for the entire process from storage and transportation to customs clearance.
Export-oriented SMEs will be able to use high-quality logistics services provided by specialized logistics companies at costs that are at least 10% lower, regardless of shipment volume. The Smart Trade Hub will be operated by a consortium of five companies: Samsung SDS, Track Logistics Korea, Korea City Airport, Linkos, and Samyoung Logistics. Furthermore, as it is established within the Incheon International Airport Free Trade Zone, tenant companies will benefit from tax incentives and streamlined customs procedures. Support programs, including education and expert consulting, will also be provided for SMEs facing logistics challenges.
Chairman Kang emphasized, "The Smart Trade Hub will be a great support for SMEs facing global supply chain uncertainties and high logistics costs," and added, "In addition to logistics, we will actively support the competitiveness of export-oriented SMEs by linking various KOSME support programs, including finance and workforce assistance."
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