The Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced the results of the 2024 SME survey.
The survey targeted SMEs excluding micro-enterprises, enhancing the survey system to provide detailed insights by industry.
According to the results, SMEs’ sales amounted to 2,085 trillion KRW with 7.92 million employees, and the ministry plans to implement tailored support policies based on these findings.
The Central Accident Response Headquarters for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza announced that H5N9 avian influenza has been confirmed at a duck farm in Naju, Jeonnam.
This is the 34th case of highly pathogenic avian influenza during the ’25/’26 winter season, prompting strengthened quarantine measures.
The headquarters is working to prevent further spread through culling, epidemiological investigations, and issuing a temporary movement ban.
According to the FAO, the Global Food Price Index in December 2025 fell by 0.6% from the previous month to 124.3 points.
Prices for oils, dairy, and meat decreased, while prices for cereals and sugar increased.
The average Global Food Price Index for 2025 was 127.2 points, 5.2 points higher than the 2024 average.
President Lee Jae-myung will visit Japan from November 13 to 14.
The visit is at the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, and the two leaders will hold a summit and dinner.
The Blue House stated that this visit will strengthen shuttle diplomacy and advance future-oriented Korea-Japan relations.
Starting this year, the National Heritage Repair Technician qualification exam will be distributed.
Outdoor subjects will be held from April 11 to 24, and indoor subjects from June 26 to July 16.
Candidates must check the application period and exam dates on Q-Net or the National Heritage Administration website.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will officially visit Korea from the 17th to the 19th of this month at the invitation of President Lee Jae-myung.
Meloni is the first European leader to visit Korea since the new government was established and the first Italian PM to make a bilateral visit in 19 years.
The summit will discuss various fields including trade and investment, advanced industries, and educational and cultural cooperation.
