Korean Government Hosts Joint Session to Strengthen Export Capacities for SMEs

The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (Minister Han Seong-sook) announced on the 29th that it will hold a joint briefing aimed at assisting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in navigating the swiftly changing global trade environment. This initiative seeks to bolster local companies' capabilities in areas such as customs and intellectual property protection—key factors for export competitiveness.

The sessions are designed to reflect diverse business needs, featuring two tracks: an 'Investment Strategy Briefing for U.S. Expansion with Private Banks' and a 'Customs, Exchange Rate, and Intellectual Property Response Briefing.' This tailored approach signals a growing recognition of the complexities SMEs face when entering foreign markets, particularly given the fluctuating nature of international trade policies.

Scheduled for April 29, the first session will include participation from major firms such as the Law Firm Jipyeong and Samil PricewaterhouseCoopers, who will discuss legal reviews and tax guidelines pertinent to Korean businesses aiming to enter the U.S. market. Furthermore, on May 21, representatives from the U.S. Embassy and the Association of U.S. State Government Representatives in Korea (ASOK) will provide insights into federal investment promotion services and regional industry environments, essential for strategic positioning in the U.S.

The Customs, Exchange Rate, and Intellectual Property Response Briefing will be co-hosted with the Korea Intellectual Property Office and the Korea Customs Service, supported by regional export support centers and the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA). This collaborative effort emphasizes the importance of delivering actionable information that can directly aid SMEs in export operations.

Key topics to be explored include strategies for addressing U.S. customs policies, managing exchange rate risks, and recognizing cases of intellectual property infringement. The first of these sessions will take place in Changwon on May 15, followed by events rolling out across five regions, including Incheon and Chuncheon, which highlights a commitment to making essential trade information accessible nationally.

Shim Jae-yun, Director of Global Growth Policy at the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, stated, “With the acceleration of changes in external environments affecting SMEs—including U.S. customs regulations and geopolitical tensions—creating an environment that allows prompt responses is crucial.” He further emphasized the Ministry's ongoing commitment to strengthening public-private cooperation, ensuring that regional SMEs remain informed about key export trends through continuous updates via export support centers and related organizations.