Gyeonggi Economic Science Promotion Agency Hosts Paju Meeting...Pledges Tailored Support for Business Challenges

The Gyeonggi Economic Science Promotion Agency (hereinafter Gyeonggi ESPA) held a 'Paju City Regional Economic Vitalization Business Forum' on the 15th at its Paju headquarters with the Paju Entrepreneurs Association and Paju Chamber of Commerce and Industry, discussing measures for cooperation.

Business leaders in attendance voiced concerns about rising operational costs and difficulties in securing sales channels. To overcome such challenges, they requested tailored support based on on-site needs, including expanded funding for companies' independent technology development and artificial intelligence (AI) utilization training.

Additionally, business leaders expressed their hope that such forums would not be one-time events but rather would provide regular and continuous opportunities for ongoing dialogue to convey the voices of the business field.

This forum was organized following the Gyeonggi ESPA's relocation to its Paju headquarters in May. It was held to strengthen communication with local businesses and connect difficulties raised at the business front line to support projects and policy tasks. The agency introduced its major functions and business support programs, shared regional industrial issues with business leaders, and sought on-site-focused support measures.

Based on the difficulties raised, Gyeonggi ESPA presented available support measures including linkages with existing business support programs, sales channel development support, and digital transformation consulting. The agency decided to maintain organic cooperation among related organizations to resolve business leaders' requirements.

Kim Gil-ah, head of the Balanced Development Division of Gyeonggi ESPA, who attended the forum, said, "Taking the opportunity of relocating to the Paju headquarters, we will work to broaden contact points with local businesses and ensure that difficulties raised at the business front line can translate into support policies." She added, "Going forward, we will strengthen tailored support and inter-agency cooperation based on the voices of the business field to enhance the competitiveness of small and medium enterprises in Paju and lead regional economic vitalization in northern Gyeonggi Province."