Korea-Japan SME Forum to Be Held in Tokyo... Japanese Government Pledges Full Support

The Largest-Ever Forum to Be Held in Tokyo This November
Promoting Practical Cooperation Focusing on Each Country's Strengths

The Korea Federation of SMEs announced that it has agreed with the National Federation of Small Business Associations of Japan to jointly host the 'Korea-Japan SME Forum' in Tokyo, Japan this coming November, and that both the Japanese government and the National Diet will provide full support for the event.

The forum is expected to be the largest Korea-Japan SME forum to date, with approximately 300 representatives attending, including 100 from Korea and 200 from Japan, representing industry-specific cooperatives and organizations from both countries. The two organizations plan to identify the detailed needs and policy tasks of SMEs in both countries, focusing on areas of strength such as Korea's ICT technology and Japan's materials and components, in order to expand practical exchanges that will enhance the competitiveness of Korea and Japan's SMEs.

The Korea Federation of Small and Medium Business agreed to jointly hold the "Korea-Japan Small and Medium Business Forum" this November with the Japan Federation of Small Business Associations in Tokyo, Japan. From the left, Kim Ki Moon, Chairman of the Korea Federation of Small and Medium Business, and Yoji Muto, Vice Minister of Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. Korea Federation of Small and Medium Business

Prior to signing the forum agreement with the National Federation of Small Business Associations of Japan, the Korea Federation of SMEs held separate meetings with key figures from the Japanese government and the National Diet, including Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Yoji Muto and Special Advisor to the Prime Minister Akihisa Nagashima, to request their cooperation. It is reported that the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and others have expressed their full support for the purpose of the forum.

Kim Ki-moon, chairman of the Korea Federation of SMEs, stated, "It is especially meaningful that the organizations representing SMEs in Korea and Japan have agreed to jointly host the forum on a private-sector level to revitalize economic exchanges on the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations." He added, "We plan to select issues that both countries' SME sectors need to address together and to prepare concrete measures for cooperation so that Korea and Japan can strengthen partnerships in their respective areas of strength."