KOTRA Launches 'Emergency Branch Activation' Service in Response to COVID-19

KOTRA is implementing an 'Emergency Branch Establishment Service' for our export companies that face difficulties in overseas local marketing. (Photo by KOTRA)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] KOTRA announced on the 2nd that it will implement an ‘Emergency Branch Service’ for export companies struggling with local overseas marketing. KOTRA overseas trade center staff located in countries and regions where business trips have become difficult, such as Hong Kong, Israel, and Kuwait, will directly act as ‘local branches’ for Korean companies.

As the number of countries applying entry bans on visitors from Korea due to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) increases, the difficulties faced by Korean small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-sized companies in trade are intensifying. Many companies are replacing buyer management with video and online consultations, but it is difficult to prepare when there are tasks that must be conducted locally.

By using the Emergency Branch Service, KOTRA overseas trade center staff with extensive export marketing experience can respond to buyer requests in real time on site. They also perform face-to-face marketing activities on behalf of companies, such as sample demonstrations, client management, and entry into local distribution networks. In particular, it is expected that Korean companies will be able to manage overseas clients by supplementing video and online communication methods.

KOTRA plans to support overseas trade centers by deploying additional domestic export specialists in preparation for the surge in demand.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.