Kim Kimon, Chairman of the Korea Federation of SMEs: "SMEs Should Also Benefit from High-Tech Industry Investment Funds"

AI Transformation, Addressing Low Birth Rates, and Resumption of Inter-Korean Economic Cooperation
Policy Tasks Proposed for the Advancement of SMEs

Kim Kimon, Chairman of the Korea Federation of Small and Medium Business Associations, emphasized that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in advanced sectors should also be able to benefit from large-scale funds.

Kim Kimon, Chairman of the Korea Federation of Small and Medium Business Associations.

On the 23rd, during his opening address at the "2025 SME Leaders Forum" held at Lotte Hotel Jeju in Seogwipo, Jeju, Chairman Kim stated, "In line with the global trend of artificial intelligence (AI) development, President Lee Jaemyung has announced the creation of a National Growth Fund worth 150 trillion won to invest in advanced industries, making every effort in this direction. What I would like to request is that, when operating the fund in the future, there should be continuous communication with the industry to ensure that SMEs in advanced sectors such as semiconductors, bio, and aerospace can also receive benefits evenly."

The SME Leaders Forum is the largest economic forum for the SME sector, presenting new future visions and policy issues for SME CEOs since 2007. Now in its 18th year, this event will be held for four days and three nights until the 26th, bringing together over 400 SME representatives from various industries and regions across the country to share solutions for overcoming crises under the theme "Challenge and Innovation, Toward the World and the Future!" Han Seongsook, Minister of SMEs and Startups, also attended and delivered a policy lecture on "Smart Manufacturing Innovation 3.0 Driven by AI."

Chairman Kim proposed three policy tasks for the resurgence of SMEs: ▲ AI transformation ▲ addressing low birth rates and an aging population ▲ resumption of inter-Korean economic cooperation. He said, "Innovation is only possible if more young workers join SMEs, but I am concerned that there seem to be more young people who would rather remain unemployed than work for an SME. Low birth rates can be addressed to a significant extent if the public and private sectors cooperate. The government and the SME community must work together to create workplaces where work and family can coexist."

He also expressed hope for the resumption of inter-Korean economic cooperation. Chairman Kim said, "The Kaesong Industrial Complex, where we share the same language and benefit from low taxes and logistics costs, could become a future production base for 'Made in Korea' products. I hope that inter-Korean economic cooperation will resume soon, creating new opportunities for SMEs considering overseas expansion."

Meanwhile, prior to the opening ceremony, the Korea Federation of Small and Medium Business Associations held a shopping event at Moseulpo Central Market in Seogwipo and delivered donations worth 10 million won, sponsored by the SME community, to the Seogwipo Oreum Regional Self-Sufficiency Center and the Jeju Disability Support Council Daejeong Branch.