Hyundai and Kia, the country’s two largest carmakers, operating under Hyundai Motor Group, are out to help their suppliers hire personnel.

On Tuesday, the two opened a job fair as part of their ongoing shared growth program to help partner companies hire up to 17,000 new workers this year.

A total of 370 partner companies have set up booths at the two-day event being held at Coex in southern Seoul.

This year’s fair is particularly significant because it includes businesses that also provide parts and raw materials to larger suppliers which have direct dealings with the two carmakers, Hyundai and Kia said.

The suppliers, due to their small size, often have trouble hiring employees. However, applicants are drawn to them due to the high profile that Hyundai and Kia lend to the SMEs.

(baejisook@heraldcorp.com)