To celebrate 60 years of diplomatic ties, the Korea Federation of SMEs and Japan’s National Federation of Small Business Associations will co-host the Korea–Japan SME Forum in November 2025. The event aims to deepen cross-border SME cooperation, expand economic exchange, and build long-term partnerships that enhance the global competitiveness of small businesses in both countries.
Korea–Japan SME Forum Confirmed for November 2025
The Korea Federation of SMEs (KBIZ) and Japan’s National Federation of Small Business Associations (NFSME) have officially agreed to co-host the Korea–Japan SME Forum in November 2025, marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
The decision was finalized during a high-level meeting in Tokyo on August 1, attended by Chairman Kim Ki Moon of KBIZ and Chairman Hiroshi Mori of NFSME, alongside senior executives from both organizations.
The forum aims to expand cross-border SME partnerships, enhance global competitiveness, and strengthen economic collaboration between Korea and Japan through structured institutional cooperation.
Background and Program Context
KBIZ and NFSME—recognized as the primary umbrella organizations for small and medium-sized enterprises in their respective countries—have maintained bilateral engagement for years.
In July 2024, the two bodies signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to promote “private-sector shuttle exchanges,” a framework for non-governmental business collaboration.
The 2025 SME forum is positioned as a flagship event, timed to coincide with the 60th anniversary of Korea–Japan diplomatic relations. It is designed to bring together SME leaders, policymakers, and ecosystem stakeholders from both countries to discuss strategies for mutual growth.
Korea-Japan SME Forum Discussion 2025: Institutional Profiles and Representation
From Korea, the delegation included:
- Kim Ki Moon, Chairman of KBIZ
- Kim Dong Woo and Kim Seok Won, Vice Chairmen of KBIZ
Meanwhile, from Japan, NFSME was represented by:
- Hiroshi Mori, Chairman
- Tetsuya Sato, Executive Director
- Masaru Oikawa, Managing Director
Founded in 1956, NFSME is Japan’s leading SME representative body, operating under legislation for SME cooperatives. It supports over 27,000 affiliated organizations and more than 2.24 million SMEs across Japan. KBIZ serves a similar role in Korea, representing and advocating for domestic SMEs in areas ranging from policy to international trade.
Statements from Stakeholders
Chairman Kim Ki Moon highlighted the strategic importance of SME cooperation amid shared challenges:
“Protectionism, artificial intelligence, and competition for international technological hegemony in semiconductors are intensifying.
Korea and Japan both face serious demographic and industrial shifts, including low birthrates, aging populations, and heightened global technology competition in areas like AI and semiconductors.
This forum provides a platform to explore real, actionable partnerships between our SMEs.”
Kim Ki Moon, Chairman of KBIZ.
Chairman Hiroshi Mori responded with similar urgency and optimism:
“Through close collaboration between our two institutions, I hope we can build a sustainable and practical cooperative system.
Let’s create a future of shared SME growth through this forum.”
Hiroshi Mori, Chairman of NFSME.
Broader SME Ecosystem Significance in South Korea and Japan
This upcoming forum reflects an escalating regional emphasis on SME diplomacy, especially as Korea and Japan seek more autonomous trade strategies and technological sovereignty.
With both countries prioritizing economic security and mid-cap innovation, SME-led initiatives are becoming vital components of national growth strategies.The Korea–Japan SME Forum 2025 is expected to deliver not only networking opportunities but also institutional pathways for joint ventures, supply chain collaboration, and technology co-development, particularly in sectors impacted by protectionist policies and talent shortages.
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