Ministry of SMEs and Startups focuses on traditional market heatwave response and gift certificate renewals

South Korea's Ministry of SMEs and Startups is mobilizing all available resources to support traditional markets as they face extreme heatwaves. The ministry is actively monitoring the situation and providing on-site assistance to ensure market operations can continue safely and effectively during the summer.

In addition to heatwave preparedness, the ministry is also focusing on the "Onnuri Gift Certificate" program, a vital initiative supporting local economies. Officials are conducting checks to ensure that merchants have renewed their registration for the program, which helps drive consumer spending at traditional markets. This ensures the program's smooth operation and continued benefit to small businesses.

To address immediate concerns, the ministry recently held a meeting chaired by Second Vice Minister Lee Byeong-kwon. The session brought together regional Small and Medium Business Administration offices to discuss their progress in supporting traditional markets and to identify any on-site challenges. This collaborative approach aims to swiftly resolve issues and enhance the effectiveness of the support measures.

The ministry's efforts include providing cooling facilities for individual shops and common areas within traditional markets, helping to mitigate the impact of high temperatures on both vendors and customers. This proactive stance underscores the government's commitment to safeguarding vulnerable businesses and ensuring the vitality of local markets.