Government Responds to Suspension of Chinese Visa Issuance... "Trade Offices to Act as Local Branches for Companies"

[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Dongwoo Lee] As China has suspended visa issuance for our nationals, causing difficulties for local companies, the government has decided to use overseas trade offices to act as branches for these companies.

On the 13th, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced that it made this decision through an emergency countermeasure meeting with the Korea International Trade Association, Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), and major industry associations regarding China's suspension of visa issuance.

First, KOTRA will establish a 'China Trade Support Desk' and utilize local trade offices in China to act on behalf of our companies for overseas business trips and local branch functions. The local trade offices plan to provide services such as proxy meetings with export clients and attending exhibitions on behalf of companies.

The Korea International Trade Association will provide close support through a reception center for difficulties faced by our companies due to restrictions on visits to China, offering real-time information and online consultation services. Major export industry associations will monitor the local situation of related companies and strengthen cooperation systems with the government and export support agencies.

Earlier, the Chinese Embassy and Consulates General in Korea announced on their official social media accounts on the 10th that they would suspend the issuance of short-term visas to our nationals for visits, commercial trade, tourism, medical reasons, and general personal matters.

Moon Dong-min, Director of the Trade and Investment Office, said, "Since China is an important trading partner maintaining the largest scale of trade with our country, we will do our best to ensure smooth business activities for our companies."

[Image source=Yonhap News]