On April 17, the Export-Import Bank of Korea held a conference for 14 export firms in South Gyeongsang province.

The conference was held at the Changwon Exhibition Convention Centre (CECO) to increase awareness and understanding among exporting SMEs of the Bank’s Shared Growth program between large corporations and SMES as well as give practical support for these firms.

The conference was attended by CEOs of 14 export SMEs in South Gyeongsang province, including Mr. Jong In Woo of BHI Co., Ltd. (BHI) and Mr. Ki Seok Bang of Samwoo KJS Tec. Co. Ltd.

Chairman Yong Hwan Kim of the Bank commented, ”The Bank will serve as a policy bank to help green and new growth industries become more export-oriented by actively supporting new growth SME suppliers of large exporting corporations.”

The Bank promotes shared growth of large corporations and SMEs through its Global PaSS Program launched in December 2011. Under the program, SMEs which have advanced overseas with large corporations are provided a total of KRW 1 trillion in financing at favorable rates.

Mr. Jong In Woo, CEO of BHI, commented at the conference that “Korean SMEs often have difficulty obtaining export financing despite possessing advanced technologies. The Export-Import Bank of Korea should promote its Global PaSS Program to assist firms advancing overseas during the current global financial crisis.”

After the conference, Chairman Kim visited PK Valve Co., Ltd. (PK Valve), a firm selected for the Bank’s Hidden Champion Program and a leading manufacturer of industrial valves in South Gyeongsang Province.

Chairman Kim commented during his visit that “Korea recorded USD 1 trillion in trade volume owing to the efforts of outstanding firms with advanced technologies such as PK Valve. We will provide such companies with our full support to help them compete in the international arena.”

Since taking office in February 2011, Chairman Kim has hosted 17 conferences with CEOs of exporting firms and personally visited numerous companies.

Such client-oriented management was implemented to better understand the conditions faced by export firms and seek practical support measures.

Despite the recession in the global economy, the Bank plans to provide KRW 15 trillion in financing, an increase of 7% from last year, to strengthen support for exporting SMEs.