The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS, Minister OH Youngju) announced on September 13 (local time) that it dispatched a delegation, led by LEE Dae-hee, Deputy Minister of SMEs and Startups, to the 30th APEC Ministerial Meeting on Small and Medium Enterprises held in Pucallpa, Peru. MSS also presented the agenda for the 31st APEC Ministerial Meeting on Small and Medium Enterprises, which is scheduled to be held in Korea in 2025, along with Korea’s digital transformation policies for SMEs.
 
The APEC Ministerial Meeting on Small and Medium Enterprises is a forum where the ministers responsible for SMEs from member countries gather to discuss key issues. This meeting was divided into three thematic sessions: strategies for helping SMEs escape the informal economy and promote globalization, support measures for SMEs in response to changes in the external environment, and the development of SME nurturing programs. Active discussions on these policy efforts were held among the 21 member countries.
 
MSS participated in the session on developing SME nurturing programs, emphasizing the importance of digital transformation as a strategy for the innovation and growth of SMEs. The Ministry introduced case studies from Korea's digital transformation policies, including manufacturing innovation through smart factories, support programs for small businesses to enter online markets, and the dissemination of smart stores. 

Following the discussions on the theme of 2024, a session was held to present the agenda and key priorities for the APEC Ministerial Meeting on Small and Medium Enterprises scheduled to be held in Korea in 2025. LEE Dae-hee, Deputy Minister of SMEs and Startups, provided the rationale for the proposals and outlined specific directions for discussion at 2025 meeting, garnering support from APEC member countries.
 
< Agenda and Key Priorities for the APEC Ministerial Meeting on SMEs >
▸(agenda)  MSMEs as Engine of Sustainable and Inclusive Growth  
In addition, separately from the main meeting, time was allocated to build networks with key figures from member countries. LEE Dae-hee, Deputy Minister of SMEs and Startups, met with Sergio González Guerrero, Minister of Production of Peru, and Diane Farrell, Deputy Under Secretary of Department of Commerce of the United States, to learn about their experiences and expertise in hosting APEC Ministerial Meetings on Small and Medium Enterprises. He also requested their cooperation to ensure the successful hosting of the meeting in Korea in 2025.
 
LEE Dae-hee, Deputy Minister of SMEs and Startups, stated, “It was a meaningful time to discuss policy issues with leaders in the field of SMEs from the international community and to introduce Korea's digital transformation policies.” He added, “In 2025, as we are hosting the APEC Ministerial Meeting on Small and Medium Enterprises in Korea for the first time in 20 years since Daegu in 2005, we are making thorough preparations to ensure a successful meeting.”