Support for Export of Martial Arts, Masks, and COVID-19 Diagnostic Kits

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Yoon-joo] The Korea International Trade Association (KITA) has launched a promotional campaign for Korean diagnostic kits, medical supplies, and hygiene products exporters through the 'COVID-19 Global Bridge' project.

Recently, as South Korea's COVID-19 quarantine measures have been reported by global media as a successful role model, requests for imports of related products from governments and economic organizations worldwide have surged significantly.

By product category, masks, COVID-19 diagnostic kits, and ventilators have been the most urgently requested, while there is also strong demand for medical supplies such as disinfectants, surgical gloves, and protective equipment.

Accordingly, KITA has initiated a project to deliver information on domestic companies wishing to export medical and hygiene products to its KITA Global Partners Club members, which include governments and embassies of 67 countries, 235 overseas chambers of commerce, Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) institutions, and economic cooperation committee partners.

Since the recruitment of companies capable of urgent export of medical and hygiene products began on the 25th of last month, over 360 companies have applied as of the morning of the 6th, showing great interest. KITA plans to organize companies that pass product validity tests and share the information with its overseas network, while also facilitating direct trade mediation at the association level. Applications are open on the KITA website (www.kita.net) until the 24th of this month.

Jo Hak-hee, Director of the International Business Division, stated, "The association has been receiving many requests for information on medical and hygiene product manufacturers through its overseas branches, foreign missions in Korea, and economic organizations in various countries. Through this project, we aim to expand export opportunities for our companies and contribute to the global fight against COVID-19."