Announcement of Five Key Policy Issues
Song Chi-young, chairman of the Korea Federation of Micro Enterprise, described the realization of policy tasks-including the establishment of a vice minister dedicated to micro-enterprises-as the result of effective communication.
Song Chi-young, chairman of the Korea Federation of Micro Enterprise, is delivering a greeting at a policy meeting with Jeong Cheong-rae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, held on the 3rd at the Korea Federation of Micro Enterprise in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers Association
On the 17th, Chairman Song made these remarks during a press conference marking the first anniversary of his inauguration, held at the Korea Federation of Small and Medium Business in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. Song was elected as the fifth chairman of the Korea Federation of Micro Enterprise on August 29 last year. He has served as chairman during a period of unprecedented crisis for micro-enterprises, brought on by political instability and a slump in domestic demand.
Song stated, "In these challenging times, I have done my utmost to represent 7.9 million micro-enterprises with a profound sense of responsibility," and added, "The Korea Federation of Micro Enterprise has played a pivotal role in ensuring the survival and growth of micro-enterprises amid rapidly changing domestic and international economic conditions, achieving remarkable results over the past year." He continued, "After taking office, I organized the pressing issues and proposed them to the government and the National Assembly, focusing on actively reflecting the voices of micro-enterprises in policy. As a result, micro-enterprises have come to be recognized as key partners in national affairs."
He especially emphasized that, following the launch of the new administration, policy tasks for micro-enterprises have been steadily realized. Song said, "The establishment of a vice minister dedicated to micro-enterprises, which the Korea Federation of Micro Enterprise had presented as its top priority during the presidential election, was announced. In addition, at a town hall meeting with President Lee Jaemyung last July, I personally proposed an incentive plan for diligent debt repayment, and the government responded by announcing a 'Financial Support Plan for Micro-Enterprises' worth 10 trillion won." He added, "This will mark a significant turning point in overcoming the crisis faced by micro-enterprises."
He went on to highlight that the federation's proposals have borne fruit in various policies, including the introduction of a long-term installment repayment program for loan principals, expansion of the New Start Fund coverage, exemption of micro-enterprises from mandatory kiosks for people with disabilities, extension of the sunset provision in the Distribution Industry Development Act, and reduction of credit card fees for national tax payments.
Looking back on the achievements of the past year, the Korea Federation of Micro Enterprise also presented five key current issues. The core tasks proposed are: ▲enactment of the Micro-Enterprise Welfare Act ▲establishment of a policy research institute for micro-enterprises to strengthen the capacity for developing practical policies ▲enhancement of the federation's hub role to improve the efficiency of policy delivery systems ▲leading the digital and artificial intelligence (AI) transition for micro-enterprises ▲opposing the expansion of the Labor Standards Act to workplaces with fewer than five employees.
Song stated, "Over the past year, the number of member organizations and regional federations has steadily increased, surpassing 800,000 members," and expressed his ambition by saying, "During my term, I will usher in the era of 1 million members and establish the Korea Federation of Micro Enterprise as the undisputed representative organization."
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