The government will directly recruit the economic delegation for the president’s overseas visits to enhance the transparency of the selection process and provide wider opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses, Cheong Wa Dae said Friday.

So far, leading business organizations have been responsible for picking the delegation, raising concerns that the participants tended to be focused on conglomerates, limiting the access of smaller enterprises.

The new policy goes into effect starting from the president’s upcoming Vietnam trip in September, said presidential spokeswoman Kim Haing.

Companies wishing to take part can apply via email. More information is available on the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy website.

By Lee Hyun-jeong  (rene@heraldcorp.com)