- Minister Lee Jung Sik said plans for EPS reform and activities for bid to host the Busan Expo
The Ministry of Employment and Labor(Minister Lee Jung Sik,hereinafter referred to as 'MOEL') and t he Human Resources Development Service of Korea (Acting President Kim Young joong, hereinafter referred to as 'HRD Korea') held the '2023 EPS Conference Busan' from August 9th to August 11th in Busan Metropol itan City.
* The event to strengthen exchange and cooperation between EPS sending countries and local governments since 2016
This meeting t ook place in Busan , a ca ndidate c ity for the 2030 World Expo was attended by approximately 100 participants, including Minister of Employment and Labor, Mayor of Busan Metropolitan City, Member of National Assembly Lee Ju hwan (Yeongje gu, Busan), Ambassadors of EPS Sending Countries in Korea Sixteen countries*), and labor officials.
* Philippines, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Cambodia, China, Bangladesh, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Myanmar, Timor Leste, Laos
Minister Lee said, "This event is an opp ortunity to look back on the past 20 years of the EPS and explore the improvement with sending countries to prepare for next 20 years." Minister Lee further explained, W e will reform the EPS system fundamentally to align with the circumstances to change significantly in the economic and social environment compared to the first time to introduce the EPS back in 20 years ago.” in the speech on August 9th.
Following the speech, Minister Lee presented ‘Award of the the Minister of Employment and Labor’ to the Traditional Confectionery named Shin Gung, selected as the best EPS employer in Pocheon of Gyeonggi Province, and to KUDA BADUGE CHAMARA CHANDIMAL JAYANTHA, selected as the best EPS worker from Sri Lanka.
Shin Gung Traditional has been recognized for encouraging long-term employment of foreign workers as providing free dormitories to foreign workers, offering equal welfare benefits and promotion opportunities as same as domestic workers, and improving working conditions. The best EPS worker was acknowledged for making an effort actively to adapt to Korean culture with a positive attitude as his excellent Korean language skills and obtaining a forklift operator certification from continuous self-development efforts.
In addition, Minister Lee met with Ambassadors of EPS Sending Countries in Korea (Sixteen countries) and discussed about current issues and collaboration strategies during the meeting.
Furthermore, promotion for the Busan Expo will be carried out, including screening of promotional videos for the Busan Expo and visits to the North Port redevelopment promotion hall in the other scheduled activities.
Minister Lee stated, "The Busan Expo will make a role of function as a 'Solution Platform' to address global issues such as climate change, digital disparity, health and food problems. It will become a 'Solution Platform' for future generations." He also added, " I would humbly request your strong support for Korea's bid to host the Busan Expo.”
Meanwhile, HRD Korea and Busan Metropolitan City have agreed to pursue mutual cooperation for promoting the Busan Expo and activating the EPS through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding(MOU).
Furthermore, there are othe r various programs during the three day event , such as lectures on achievements and reformed strategies of the EPS, discussions on key achievements and directions for foreign employment support projects, visits to the EXPO 2030 Busan Gallery.