SMEs ministry launches two one-stop flood support centers

The SMEs ministry said Wednesday it put a one-stop support system into operation at two traditional markets in Gyeongnam to help merchants hit by torrential rain resume operations.

The centers are based at the parking management office at Geoje Gohyeon Market and the merchants association office at Tongyeong Seoho Market. They will operate without holidays until the local situation stabilizes.

Led by the ministry's Gyeongnam regional office, the network also brings together the Small Enterprise and Market Service, a regional credit guarantee foundation and local governments. It was set up to spare affected merchants from having to visit multiple agencies for recovery-related support.

The ministry has provided rapid recovery assistance and plans policy funds and guarantees to support business stabilization. Second Vice Minister Lee Byeong-gwon said, "It is most important to provide swift support so merchants struggling after flood damage can return to their livelihoods as soon as possible. We will devote all efforts to recovery through the one-stop centers until conditions stabilize."

The ministry will help restore electrical and gas facilities at traditional markets damaged by flooding.