Korean Prime Minister meets with the Merchants' Federation and says, "Based on regional economy... efforts to alleviate difficulties."

(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Lee Sang-hyun = Prime Minister Han Seong-sook held a meeting with the presidents of the National Federation of Merchants at the official residence in Samcheong-dong, Seoul on the 28th to discuss ways to improve the vitality of alley commercial districts.

According to the Prime Minister's Office, Prime Minister Han first expressed gratitude for the hard work of the merchants at the meeting, saying, "Traditional markets are the scene of the people's economy that is closest to the people's daily lives and an important foundation for the local economy."

He went on to explain, “Although this year’s economy is good in terms of numbers, what you can actually feel in the field is that there are many shortcomings and difficulties,” and added, “We prepared a meeting to hear more in-depth about the difficulties and tasks experienced in traditional markets across the country.”

At the same time, he promised, “If you tell us the story of how consumption can be promoted and the domestic economy can be revitalized, we may be able to work hard to change the areas that need to be changed.” He promised, “We will continue to listen to opinions from the field and continue our efforts to alleviate the difficulties of small business owners and revitalize them.”

According to the Prime Minister's Office, the association presented opinions such as expanding the Onnuri gift certificate refund event during the holidays and the need to prepare measures to support small-scale markets.