FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                      
April 18, 2025                                 
                                            
Leveraging the Global Korean American Network, MSS Supports SMEs and Microenterprises in Entering Overseas Markets

SEJONG – The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) is supporting the participation of 156 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and microenterprises in the 2025 World Korean Business Convention.

More than 350 companies and 500 buyers are expected to take part in the Business Exhibition held during the convention. The global Korean business network, facilitated by the Overseas Koreans Agency, will play a pivotal role in helping Korean companies expand into international markets.

MSS selected 156 competitive SMEs and microenterprises in the beauty, food, and medical device industries and provided support for product promotion, exhibition participation, and promotional booth setup. Amid rising global economic uncertainty driven by growing protectionism, including recent global tariff measures, the Overseas Korean Businessmen Network is expected to serve as a vital platform for Korean exporting SMEs to navigate and overcome the ongoing economic challenges.

The convention’s opening ceremony was attended by Minister Oh Youngju of SMEs and Startups, Commissioner Lee Sangdeok of the Overseas Koreans Agency, Chairman Kim Ki-mun of the Korea Federation of SMEs, and the Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Atlanta. Minister Oh also visited the booths of Korean SMEs and microenterprises at the exhibition to offer encouragement and support.

On April 17, Minister Oh met with Administrator Kelly Loeffler of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) during a reception hosted by the SBA. During the meeting, Minister Oh expressed that the Korean government’s commitment to strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries would remain steadfast under the new U.S. administration. She also requested the SBA’s support for Korean companies seeking to enter the U.S. market and expressed her hopes for expanding policy exchange and collaboration between MSS and the SBA.

Minister Oh attended the opening ceremony and welcome dinner, joined by key figures from both countries, where she delivered a congratulatory message on behalf of Acting President Han Duck-soo. In his remarks, Acting President Han stated, “Congratulations on the convention. As the slogan ‘Jump to the Korean-American Economic Power’ suggests, if production, consumption, investment, labor movement, and supply chain development are actively pursued, the Korean economy will reach new heights.” He added, “The Korean government will spare no effort to provide policy and institutional support to Korean exporters.”

 
About World Korean Business Convention
Hosted annually by the Overseas Koreans Agency, the World Korean Business Convention brings together overseas Korean entrepreneurs and domestic companies. The 23rd convention will take place from April 17 to 20 in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A.
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