Building a Logistics Center for SMEs at Incheon Second Airport

An air logistics hub to support the global expansion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will be established at the Incheon International Airport's second airport logistics complex.

The Small and Medium Business Promotion Corporation and Incheon International Airport Corporation announced that they held a groundbreaking ceremony for the 'SME Dedicated Joint Logistics Center (Smart Trade Hub)' on the 27th at the site in Jung-gu, Incheon.

The Smart Trade Hub was selected as a national project in 2022 and has been promoted by related ministries such as the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and the Ministry of Economy and Finance. Jungjin Gong and Incheon Airport Corporation have signed an agreement and are cooperating by dividing the construction of logistics facilities and the provision and construction of sites. It is being built with a total floor area of 26,129㎡ and four floors above ground, aiming for completion by the end of 2026.

The Smart Trade Hub is designed to accommodate various export logistics demands, consisting of bypass express facilities, commercial cargo terminals, and fulfillment centers. It also applies smart logistics technologies such as deep learning-based artificial intelligence (AI) vision systems and automated warehouse robots to operate as a one-stop logistics platform from storage to customs clearance and delivery.

Export SMEs can use high-quality logistics services at costs more than 10% cheaper than existing ones, regardless of the volume size. The logistics operation is managed by a consortium of five companies, including Samsung SDS, Trax Logistics Korea, Korea Urban Airport, Linkos, and Samyoung Logistics.

This center is created in the Incheon Airport Free Trade Zone, and tenant companies can also receive support such as tax benefits and simplified customs procedures. Expert consulting and educational programs are also operated to resolve logistics difficulties.

Kang Seok-jin, chairman of Jungjin Gong, said, "The Smart Trade Hub will be a great strength for SMEs facing global supply chain uncertainties and high logistics costs," adding, "We will actively support the enhancement of export SMEs' competitiveness by linking it with various support projects of Jungjin Gong, including finance and manpower support."


Reporter Shin Ji-min