Eximbank supports social enterprises

Officials from Export-Import Bank of Korea and Korea Central Council of Social Enterprise pose for a photo after the state lender donated 240 million won ($212,000) to the advocacy group at the bank's headquarters on Yeouido, Nov. 20. Courtesy of Export-Import Bank of Korea

By Lee Kyung-min

The Export-Import Bank of Korea (Eximbank) said Wednesday it donated 240 million won ($212,000) to the Korea Central Council of Social Enterprise (KCCSE).

Of the total, half, or 120 million won, will be provided for six social enterprises as facilities or operating funds.

The remaining half will be used to pay salaries and training costs for 20 underprivileged people including North Korean defectors and marriage migrants.

The six firms were chosen after the council, a nonprofit advocacy group for corporate social responsibility, conducted an on-site inspection earlier this year between August and September.

Of the three firms located in Seoul, two are in Eunpyeong-gu, northwestern Seoul, and the other is in Seongbuk-gu, northeastern Seoul. The three others are in Ulsan, Bucheon in Gyeonggi Province and Yeosu in South Jeolla Province.

Three firms were granted financial support for hiring people with multicultural backgrounds, and the remaining three in Seoul for fair trade practices.

The bank said it will continue to play an exemplary role in full awareness of its responsibility as a state enterprise.

“We will continue to expand the program to help social minorities to stand on their own feet,” the bank said in a statement.

“Multiculturalism is a growing part of Korean society. We hope our program will encourage them to have a positive attitude toward Korea and to better integrate as members of society.”

The donation is the latest activity in the group's social responsibility initiative following overseas infrastructure construction in Cambodia as well as a student exchange program with Asian University for Women in Bangladesh.