KOTRA President Kang Kyung-sung presided over '2025 Southeast and South Asia Trade and Investment Expansion Strategy Meeting' on December 16–20
Identify the growth potential and opportunities in ASEAN and India, the global manufacturing hubs with a combined population of 2.1 billion
Everyone at KOTRA carries out their duties and responsibilities on export, investment attraction, and supply chain stabilization

President Kang made such points while chairing the first trade and investment expansion strategy meeting since his appointment, in Hanoi, Vietnam on December 17. He met with KOTRA's regional headquarters in Southeast and South Asia, along with 24 trade center directors for five days starting from December 16, in Vietnam and India, where he examined export and investment-related issues, focusing on identifying opportunities.

With a combined population of 2.1 billion, ASEAN and India represent important bases for consumption and production, accounting for 20% of South Korea's exports. Despite differences in market characteristics and economic development, these regions share significant growth potential due to their youthful populations, high economic growth rates, and abundant core mineral resources, compared to Western markets.

▶ Global Manufacturing Hub: Identify opportunities for supply of parts and equipment, and tech collaboration
Southeast Asia has been strengthening its government-led policies for advancing high-tech industries and manufacturing, while the investment from global high-tech companies continuing. It provides opportunities for collaboration with local high-tech industries and identifying new demand for sourcing, and turn them into opportunities for export expansion of Korean companies.

▶ Support the high-tech convergence industries, which are in high demand in the region
As demand surges in sectors like healthcare, digital technologies, and social infrastructure (SOC), KOTRA plans to intensify support for South Korean companies entering these fields. In particular, in line with the growing demand for healthcare improvements in both public and private medical sectors, KOTRA plans support for Korean businesses in medical device replacement, regulatory consulting, and partnerships with local pharmaceutical companies.

▶Support the expansion of premium Korean consumer goods in the region
The demand for high-quality Korean products in Southeast Asia continues to rise, fueled by increasing incomes and the region's high receptivity to Korean culture. KOTRA plans to expand its support for Korean consumer goods by organizing events such as ‘Seoul Food in Bangkok 2025’ and ‘Consumer Goods Promotion in connection with Local Cultural Festivals.’

KOTRA President Kang said, "The Southeast and South Asia regions hold immense growth potential and could serve as a breakthrough for expanding our exports. We will prepare practical support measures to strengthen the export competitiveness of our companies and products."



Source: Invest KOREA (2024.12.19.)