In response to the escalating situation in the Middle East triggered by recent airstrikes by Israel and the United States on Iran, Kim Dong-yeon, the Governor of Gyeonggi Province, has outlined four key directives aimed at protecting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the region. On the 5th, he called on various departments to listen to the grievances of local businesses and to establish an immediate response system to address any arising issues. This includes setting up a 'Damage Reporting Center' to get real-time updates on the challenges faced by companies and creating a one-on-one support system connecting experts with these businesses.

Additionally, the governor highlighted the urgent need for financial support due to skyrocketing logistics costs following restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz and airport closures. He instructed officials to explore emergency support measures and expand guaranteed loan amounts through the Gyeonggi Credit Guarantee Foundation, enabling quicker access to emergency management funds. Finally, he also emphasized the need for enhanced marketing and distribution support, including export vouchers for goods sent to the Middle East, as a countermeasure to the anticipated decline in exports due to the instability in the region.

The context for these directives lies in the heightened fears of a potential 'fifth Middle Eastern war,' induced by Iran's forewarnings of retaliation and disruptions to international shipping and air logistics. Consequently, the surge in global oil prices, alongside the paralysis of supply chains, necessitates prompt government action to safeguard local economic interests amidst these international upheavals.