SME organization’s survey finds support for protection

Nine out of 10 people think the government should support small and midsize enterprises by reserving some business sectors for them by banning large conglomerates, according to a survey by KBIZ, an organization that promotes the interests of SMEs.

The survey last year polled 1,000 people aged 20 or older, and 91.4 percent of respondents said the special designation is needed.

The government currently protects producers of such products as tofu and soap, as well as street food vendors.

As reasons for supporting the designation, 60 percent of respondents said small businesses are the backbone of the local economy.

In the survey, which allowed multiple responses, 46.9 percent said the measure is needed for fair competition and 32.2 percent cited prevention of monopolies by big companies.