SMEs ministry opens nominations for supply chain price linkage awards

The SMEs ministry said Monday it is accepting nominations until Oct. 8 for companies that have successfully implemented the supply price linkage system.

Companies that raised supply prices in advance amid soaring commodity costs driven by the Middle East conflict will receive preferential treatment, as will those making early payments to support subcontractor liquidity.

Selection will focus on contractors and subcontractors that signed linkage agreements and demonstrated high rates of contract execution, a large number of participating subcontractors, and significant actual payment adjustments.

Winners will receive exemptions from regular and ex officio investigations into subcontracting transactions for one or two years starting Jan. 1, 2027. Additional incentives include two bonus points on fair trade agreement evaluations, a two-point reduction in demerits under the Fair Subcontracting Transactions Act, and reductions of up to 50 percent on fines.

The ministry will review documents and deliberate through a public merit committee before confirming the 10 awardees. Award recipients are scheduled to receive certificates from the minister at the Win-Win Week ceremony in November.

Application forms and supporting documents must be submitted via email. Detailed guidelines are available on the official supply price linkage system website.