[2025 National Assembly Audit] "85 SMEs Operating in Cambodia... No Reported Cases of Damage"

"Assessing the Situation...
Preparing Measures Including Policy Funds"

Han Sung-sook, Minister of SMEs and Startups, stated on the 29th, "Currently, there are 85 small and medium-sized enterprises operating in Cambodia," and added, "Although there have been no reported cases of damage so far, we will proactively respond to any potential issues."

Minister Han made these remarks in response to a question from Kim Donga, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party of Korea, during the National Assembly inspection by the Industry, Trade, and Small and Medium Enterprises Committee held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul. Kim had asked about growing concerns among SMEs regarding local expansion due to the situation in Cambodia.

On the 14th, at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, during the National Assembly inspection by the Industry, Trade, and Small and Medium Enterprises Committee on the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and the Korean Intellectual Property Office, Han Sung-sook, Minister of SMEs and Startups, is responding to questions from lawmakers. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Assemblyman Kim said, "Cambodia ranks 30th in terms of export volume, and the current export value is around 500 billion won. Many of the export items, such as cosmetics, are key products of domestic SMEs, so if Cambodia is designated as a travel-restricted area and business activities are hampered, the damage to companies could be significant."

He further urged, "Rather than just listening to reports or simply identifying the status of affected companies, please establish a task force to make a comprehensive and informed decision."

Minister Han responded, "Taking this situation as an opportunity, we have decided to compile a list and organize the current status of SMEs operating worldwide. We will also devise countermeasures in various areas, including policy funds and guarantee schemes."