PPS Explores Sales Channels for Korean SMEs and Startupsin the U.S. Federal Procurement Market   The Public Procurement Service (PPS) participated in the 21st World Korean Business Convention held at the Anaheim Convention Center, California, USA from October 11th to 14th. This gathering took place to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Korea-US alliance and 120 years of Korean immigration to the Americas.   The event included various activities such as corporate exhibitions, a venture capital forum, and a startup business competition. This provided an opportunity for the outstanding SMEs and startups to showcase their technological and competitive capabilities to overseas buyers, serving as a gateway for entering the U.S. procurement market.   PPS and KISED (Korea Institute of Startup & Enterpreneurship Development) jointly set up a pavilion featuring products and technologies of ten Korean SMEs, which produce LED lighting devices, tire monitoring and analysis devices, etc. They promoted their technologically-proven products and engage in business consultations.   In particular, PPS held a high-level meeting with the US General Services Administration (GSA) to further enhance mutual exchanges and cooperation in the public procurement sector of both countries.   Kim Eung Keol, Director General of Planning and Coordination, PPS, stated, “The US federal procurement market is massive with a value of $600 billion. We will continue to support domestic companies with proven technologies to expand into various international procurement markets, including the U.S. market."

Public Procurement Drives Korea’s New Growth on its Audacious Path towards Global and Future Markets Korea’s Public Procurement makes a big stride towards future and global markets.   The Public Procurement Service(PPS) hosted the 3rd anniversary of the Public Procurement Day entitled “Carve the Future! Race to the World!” from September 25 to 26, 2023 at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza(DDP). The Public Procurement Day is a statutory commemoration day established to raise social awareness and interest in the importance of public procurement and promote its development. It falls on September 30th every year. * The Launch day of the Korea ON-line E-Procurement System named KONEPS (Sep.30, 2002) was designated as the Public Procurement Day by the Government Procurement Act   In celebration of its third anniversary, various events were held to share the achievements of public procurement contributors including suppliers, end-user organizations and PPS officials, encouraging meritorious persons in this field and presenting the future vision of public procurement.   Firstly, an exhibition featuring over 80 New Growth products leading Korea's future took place throughout the two days. It will be divided into five themes: △ Overseas Export Pavilion, △ Cutting-Edge Biotech Pavilion, △ Public Safety Pavilion, △ Venture Mall Pavilion, and △ Special Pavilion. Admission is free of charge and visitors can also experience displayed products.   Opportunities for market expansion for these New Growth products were also created. In addition to the Public Purchase Consultation, the Export Support Presentation attended by international buyers and UN officials was held, opening up avenues both in domestic and oversea markets for suppliers.   On the morning of September 25th, the Public Procurement Policy Seminar was held under the theme "Reflecting on Public Procurement and Looking into its Future." With the participation of leading procurement experts from home and abroad, including Presidents Oh Yeon Cheon (Ulsan University) and Lee Won Hee (Hankyong National University), vigorous discussions was conducted to delve into current issues and future directions of public procurement.   In the afternoon, an award ceremony took place to honor contributors to the advancement of public procurement. 50 contributors received awards such as Commendations from the President, the Prime Minister, the Minister of Economy and Finance, the Minister of Education, and the PPS Administrator.   On September 26th, the Public Procurement Contest was held, where nine public institutions and nine suppliers  fiercely competed over best practices of public innovation involving government-designated Innovative Products aimed at improving public services and administrative efficiency.   Besides, various side events took place to benefit user institutions and suppliers, including the Public Procurement System Education, the Presentation on Pilot Purchase of Innovative Products and the Export Support Presentation.   On the first day, the opening ceremony was attended by Kim Sang Hoon, the Chairman of the National Assembly's Strategy and Finance Committee, Yoo Sung Kull, a member of the National Assembly, former PPS Administrators, officials from economic organizations and public institutions, and members of the diplomatic corps in Korea. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Choo Kyung Ho congratulated the Public Procurement Day through a video message.   In his remarks, Deputy Prime Minister Choo stated, “Hopefully, the public procurement market will evolve into a robust partner in supporting economic growth and strengthening the capabilities of the private sector.'   Chairman Kim emphasized the proactive role of public procurement, saying, "We must create a breakthrough for industrial competitiveness, export promotion, and economic vitality."   Lawmaker Yoo also highlighted the need to explore new roles and changes in public procurement to prepare for future changes including digital transformation.   In addition, Kim Yoon Sang, the PPS Administrator, remarked, "In order for our businesses and economy to take hold in global markets, a strategic and proactive role of public procurement is essential, as reflected in this year's Public Procurement Day slogan, 'Carve the Future, Race to the World.' We will vigorously support our economy's dynamic leap forward, taking this Public Procurement Day as a turning point."