KITA Secures Hanoi and Sao Paulo Hubs to Target the Global South

New Offices Open Following Johannesburg Launch in October

The Korea International Trade Association is establishing new offices in Hanoi, Vietnam, and Sao Paulo, Brazil, to support market entry and target the 'Global South' region, which has rapidly emerged as a key alternative amid the global supply chain realignment.

The Korea International Trade Association announced on the 21st that, following the opening of its Johannesburg office in October this year, it has newly established offices in Hanoi and Sao Paulo. With this, it has built strategic overseas bases connecting Africa, Latin America, and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) regions. The association plans to support Korean companies in strengthening their global presence, including assistance for entering emerging markets.

Seoul Gangnam-gu Korea International Trade Association building. Korea International Trade Association

The opening ceremony for the Hanoi office was held on the 20th (local time) at Lotte Hotel Hanoi, attended by more than 90 representatives from both governments and related organizations and companies, including Yoon Jinshik, Chairman of the Korea International Trade Association; Vu Ba Phu, Director General of the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (VIETRADE); Jang Hoseung, Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Vietnam; Ko Taeyeon, Chairman of the Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Vietnam; Jang Eunsook, President of the Hanoi Korean Association; Nguyen Quang Binh, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Nguyen Cong Hen, Director of the Hai Phong City People's Committee; and Nguyen Xuan Bac, Director of the Hung Yen Provincial People's Committee.

Chairman Yoon Jinshik stated, "Korea and Vietnam are each other's top three trading partners, with annual trade volume reaching 86.8 billion dollars. In particular, Hanoi and the northern region of Vietnam are emerging as hubs for materials, components, energy, and logistics industries, where Korean companies are rapidly expanding their strategic investments." He added, "I hope that the opening of the Hanoi office will serve as an important opportunity to connect the diverse needs of companies on the ground with practical cooperation, based on the comprehensive industrial cooperation system established by the two governments."

The Hanoi office is the association's second base in Vietnam, following the Ho Chi Minh branch. Located in the administrative capital, it is expected to serve as a key channel to effectively address the challenges faced by Korean companies operating in the country. The office also plans to strengthen marketing support, particularly focusing on the central and northern regions of Vietnam.

Meanwhile, the opening ceremony for the Sao Paulo office was held earlier, on the 18th (local time), at the JW Marriott Hotel Sao Paulo. The event was attended by more than 50 participants, including Jang Seokmin, Executive Vice President of the Korea International Trade Association; David Soares, Federal Congressman; Chae Jinwon, Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Sao Paulo; Thiago Camargo, Deputy Director of the Sao Paulo State Investment Agency; and Marcia Nejaim, Head of the Sao Paulo Branch of the Brazilian Federal Trade and Investment Promotion Agency.

The Sao Paulo office will play a key role in supporting Korean companies by strengthening market access and exploring new business opportunities throughout Latin America, with a focus on Brazil, the region's largest economy.

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