S. Korea to give tax break to KOSDAQ-listed firms

SEOUL, Nov. 13 (Yonhap) -- South Korea will extend a tax break to companies listed on the KOSDAQ stock market and revamp listing rules to help small and medium-sized firms raise funds through the junior market, the country's financial regulator said Monday.

Details of the tax incentive, including how much tax will be deducted, will be decided by the end of this year, the Financial Services Commission (FSC) said in a statement.

Also, the FSC will create a fund worth 10 trillion won (US$8.9 billion) over the next three years to spur investment into startups.

The joint liability system for loans, which has been cited as a big obstacle for startup entrepreneurs, will be overhauled. This system has taken flak for making it almost impossible for an entrepreneur to start a new business after failure and has created a risk-averse culture in the nation's startup ecosystem.

As part of efforts to encourage banks to change the system, state-run lenders will abolish the joint surety system for startups that survive for more than 7 years, the FSC said.

Choi Jong-ku, chairman of the FSC, said financial authorities will continue to draw up measures for financial firms to ensure "social responsibility."
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