Seoul to launch Trade On platform to support exports of local SMEs

[Photo by Seoul Business Agency]

The Seoul city government and Seoul Business Agency (SBA) will launch ‘Trade On,’ a platform to back small and medium-sized companies in South Korea promote their products and services to overseas markets when the Covid-19 pandemic is limiting their opportunities to meet with buyers.

SBA, the SMEs supporting organization under the Seoul Metropolitan Government, said Monday that it is planning to open Trade On, the online and offline platform for exporters who have lost their chances to introduce their products overseas amid the pandemic to relieve their hardships. Around 100 companies have so far registered with the program which is currently open for testing, the agency said.

Trade On offers virtual booths in which interested parties can check company profiles, products and brochures online and even chat with company representatives and hold a video conference. The offline infrastructure for video conference and advisory services can be booked on the platform.

The platform allows local businesses to request video conference with overseas buyers rather than simply waiting for the buyers to visit their websites, the agency said. In addition, the products registered on the platform automatically exposed to the interested buyers and they can also be invited to join the platform and send inquiries to enhance two-way interaction between the buyers and exporters.

“Many SMEs are having difficulties with exports due to recent re-spread of Covid-19,” said Kim Yong-sang, the head of SBA Marketing Headquarters. “The new ‘Trade On’ is expected to introduce the competitive products of local SMEs and explore channels in the ‘non-contact’ manner for the post Covid-19 era.”

[ㄏ Maeil Business Newspaper & mk.co.kr, All rights reserved]