Ministry of Science and ICT Holds ICT Emergency Response Meeting with Related Agencies
Promoting damage recovery, support for small business owners, and boosting economic vitality

Considering the severity of the recent spread of COVID-19 shifting beyond disease control into a global economic crisis, the Ministry of Science and ICT held an ICT emergency response meeting on March 26 with related organizations including KISDI, NIA, KAIT, and KTOA.

In order to further strengthen the response system in the ICT sector, the Ministry of Science and ICT operates three task forces for each major sector with the goals of ▲recovering damage to the ICT industry ▲supporting small business owners and vulnerable groups ▲boosting economic vitality through ICT.
We will operate an ICT industry damage recovery task force centered on the ICT public-private joint response team that has been held twice so far, and proceed with listening to the industry's difficulties caused by COVID-19 and establishing support measures.

We will review the progress of support measures, such as the reduction of technology fees, the alleviation of private burdens, and the reduction of time and costs for alternative certification, and hold a third meeting as soon as possible to devise additional measures.

In addition, the government and the ICT industry are exploring ways to jointly support small business owners and vulnerable groups, such as through meetings with the CEOs of the three major telecommunications companies.

Broadcasters, telecommunications companies, internet companies, and the Korea Post are preparing additional support measures, including reductions in telecommunications fees, financial support for the operation of small and medium-sized terminal retailers, extensions of interest repayment, and free online education for low-income families.

In addition, to revitalize the sluggish economy, the public and private sectors are jointly seeking additional measures, following early investment in telecommunications companies' 5G networks, support for the development of mask applications, support for the utilization of data and AI, and support for remote and telecommuting solutions.

Jang Seok-young, the Second Vice Minister of Science and ICT, said, “Non-face-to-face services utilizing ICT, such as remote work and education, are becoming established in our economy,” adding, “We are actively considering social innovation measures, such as using ICT to improve the economic structure, so that we can wisely cope with COVID-19.”

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Science and ICT has held meetings of the ICT public-private joint response team since the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak last February to listen to the damage in the industry, and has announced support measures for small business owners and vulnerable groups through meetings with the three major telecommunication companies and on-site visits by the Minister and Vice Minister.