Active Response to Changes in the Global Trade Environment
Diversifying Entry into 'Untapped Strategic Markets'
KOTRA (Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency) is supporting the export transition of domestic mid-sized companies focused on the domestic market.
On July 27, KOTRA announced that it is holding the 'Online Consultation for Export Transition of Domestic Mid-Sized Companies' until the end of this month to assist domestic mid-sized companies in shifting towards exports. This consultation event, which began on July 14, has been organized to help domestic mid-sized companies that have established a strong presence in the local market expand globally, with support from KOTRA’s domestic and overseas market experts.
The 'Consultative Body for Export Transition of Domestic Mid-Sized Companies' is a program designed to support domestic mid-sized companies with export potential as they take on the challenge of entering overseas markets. Among the companies selected through this program, 28 firms will participate in approximately 80 consultation sessions. KOTRA’s 36 overseas trade offices in target markets directly chosen by the participating companies?including Ho Chi Minh City, Mexico City, and Riyadh?as well as export specialists, will take part in these sessions to provide information on ▲local market trends ▲strategies for entering export and alternative markets ▲tailored support plans for each company, and will offer individualized assistance.
Company A, which holds over 25% of the domestic flour milling market share, focused its discussions with KOTRA’s Jakarta Trade Office on strategies for entering the Indonesian market through halal certification. A representative from Company A stated, “Through KOTRA’s program, which provides partial support for overseas marketing expenses, we plan to concentrate our marketing efforts on the Indonesian market in the second half of the year.”
Company B, a publishing company with annual sales of 250 billion won, is also seeking to diversify its exports through this consultation event, with a focus on its 'edutech platform.' A representative from Company B explained, “Through the vivid local insights provided by the trade office, we confirmed the growth potential of the Middle Eastern market,” and added, “In the second half of the year, we plan to actively pursue entry into the Middle East through a roadshow.”
Kang Sangyeop, Vice President and Head of the SME and Mid-Sized Business Division at KOTRA, stated, “In order for our companies to maintain their competitiveness amid changes in the global trade environment, they must actively discover new strategic markets,” and added, “Through this consultation event, we will provide strong support so that competitive domestic mid-sized companies can enter untapped markets and grow into global enterprises.”
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and KOTRA are providing export vouchers of up to 100 million won each to 52 domestic mid-sized companies throughout 2025 as part of the 'Global Support Program for Mid-Sized Companies.' This program is operated with a funding ratio of 70% from the government and 30% from the participating companies. Starting with this consultation event, KOTRA explained that a full-cycle package of support will follow, including ▲one-on-one mentoring with export specialists ▲online consultations based on digital marketing ▲an end-of-year performance review consultation event.
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