South Korea's small and medium enterprises are asking for separate support tracks as the government pushes forward with carbon neutrality policies. At the first session of the 2026 Environment ESG Committee, industry representatives said SMEs lack the resources to calculate and manage carbon emissions on their own. They want tailored programs that account for differences by industry and company size, not one-size-fits-all mandates. The Korea Federation of SMEs hosted the meeting where experts presented on ESG trends and green finance options including the country's green taxonomy. Chairman Lee Sanghun warned that only SMEs that adapt to mandatory ESG disclosure and supply chain due diligence will survive. The committee called for substantial government support alongside stronger internal capabilities at the company level.
