Gyeonggi presents certificates for 230 ‘Promising SMEs of 2013’ on October 8

◇ Gyeonggi Governor Kim Moon-soo is presenting certificates for selected enterprises at the 2013 Promising SMEs Certificate Presentation Ceremony held on October 8 at the Gyeonggi Small & Medium Business Center (GSBC). ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News Heo Seon-ryang

Gyeonggi Province selected 230 promising SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) to lead the regional economy.

Gyeonggi held the 2013 Promising SMEs Certificate Presentation Ceremony on October 8 at Gwanggyo Hall on the 1st floor of the Gyeonggi Small & Medium Business Center (GSBC).

The Gyeonggi Province Promising SMEs Certification Project is intended to find SMEs with high growth potential and foster them into outstanding enterprises that lead the regional economy.

Gyeonggi Governor Kim Moon-soo as well as Gyeonggi Provincial Council chairman Kim Gyeong-ho, Gyeonggi Small and Medium Business Administration (SMBA) president Gang Si-woo, Gyeonggi Provincial Police Agency chief Lee Man-hee, GSBC CEO Hong Gi-hwa, and Gyeonggi Chamber of Commerce federation chairman Baek Nam-hong attended the presentation ceremony.

“Recently, many SMEs are facing difficulties in the faltering economy, and Gyeonggi Province is also suffering from lack of tax revenues due to the depression of the real estate market. Entrepreneurs here today have indomitable fighting spirit, overcoming countless handicaps,” Governor Kim said in his address.

“Korea has performed wonders of the Han River by leaping beyond handicaps every time. The belief and spirit of entrepreneurs who have come so far with the determination to succeed in every crisis are worthy of worldwide respect,” he added.

The number of certified enterprises this year totaled 230, with 191 from the southern area of Gyeonggi and 29 from the northern area. The SMEs were selected by deliberation out of 523 promising SME applicants nominated by 45 institutions and organizations related to SMEs in cities and counties.

The selected enterprises will receive benefits for five years starting from selection date. The benefits include the right of using the Gyeonggi Province brand mark, low interest rate (0.3%) for SME upbringing funds, qualification for application of the Bank of Korea’s SME strategy fund (C2 fund), and extra points for applying for various SME support projects of Gyeonggi Province.

They can also receive 23 types of incentives from 8 institutions such as preferential limit of export credit guarantee (maximum double), extra points for commercial fund loan business, and extra points for G-Family projects.

“The ultimate goal of Gyeonggi Province is to create jobs, and the key is to support enterprises to increase employment,” said Governor Kim. “I hope this certification will be a stepping stone for the SMEs to overcome the financial difficulties and drive on without a stop.”

Along with the presentation of the certificate, Governor Kim also signed the agreement for the SME technology and information protection with SMBA president Gang Si-woo and Gyeonggi Provincial Police Agency chief Lee Man-hee.

According to the agreement, the three institutions will strive to prevent technology leakage due to the intensifying technological competition among companies as well as the changing international environment such as FTA. Each institution will conduct promotional activities and education on prevention of damages regarding technology leakage of SMEs, and actively cooperate in reports, consultations and investigations of victimized companies.

“More than half of the major research centers in Korea such as Samsung, Hyundai and Kia research centers are located in Gyeonggi Province, making it more vulnerable to damages,” said Governor Kim. “Gyeonggi Province, police and SMBA will do our best to support SMEs to concentrate on technological development.”

◇ Governor Kim Moon-soo has a commemorative photograph taken after signing the agreement for the SME technology and information protection with Gyeonggi Provincial Police Agency chief Lee Man-hee and SMBA president Gang Si-woo. ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News Heo Seon-ryang

ⓒGyeonggi G-News | Lee Jun-gyun eyekle0723@kg21.net

http://gnews.gg.go.kr/news/news_detail.asp?number=201310081640287055C052&s_code=C052