GPPS

As the staunch supporter and partner to the development of small and medium-sized enterprises in the province, GEPA has successfully administered various projects for the past *0 years, including policy funds for the SMEs, aid for domestic and overseas marketing, and recruitment support such as youth job projects and the nations first dispatch of urban youth to the rural areas.

However, despite these efforts, the reality that todays SMEs face in Gyeongbuk Province is quite severe. They are currently experiencing difficulties such as the vacation of central industrial complexes and the slump of domestic consumption. As a result, the annual net outflow of the youth population in Gyeongsangbuk-do amounts to 6,**0, categorizing it as one of the highest at-risk regions of rural extinction in the nation with *9 out of *3 counties that may disappear in the near future. The wave of transformation due to the fourth industrial revolution is also inflicting serious consequences. In this day and age, the success of the past may hinder todays development and the tomorrows prosperity, and extreme changes render futile the prediction of the future.

Now, with a renewed determination, GEPA endeavors to help Gyeongbuk SMEs to overcome todays struggles and lead tomorrows changes. In this journey of transformation, GEPA will reform ourselves first, focusing on the praxis, speed, and performance. We will take a new leap forward as the hub institution that fosters competitive SMEs, leading the invigoration of the regional economy.

Thank you.