Gimcheon City Expands Export Reach in Vietnam and Thailand... Signs MOUs

Eight local companies participate; 103 export consultations held
MOU deals worth $29.15 million
Foothold secured for expansion into Southeast Asian markets

Gimcheon City in North Gyeongsang Province held overseas export consultations in Vietnam and Thailand to help local businesses expand into Southeast Asian markets.

The 2026 Overseas Export Consultation, featuring eight local companies, was held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and Bangkok, Thailand [Photo courtesy of Gimcheon City]

Gimcheon City said it held the "2026 Overseas Export Consultation" with eight local companies in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and Bangkok, Thailand, from November 1 to 7. The companies held a total of 103 export consultations with local buyers and signed 20 memorandums of understanding (MOUs).

The MOUs are worth a total of $29,154,900. The participating companies discussed product competitiveness, prices, distribution methods and trade terms with local buyers to assess the potential for actual exports.

Gimcheon City also established cooperative networks with local organizations, including the Association of Southern Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises of Vietnam (ASMES) and the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC).

The city also visited the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Vietnam (KOCHAM) and the Global Business Center (GBC) of Thailand's Small and Medium Enterprise Development Bank to explore ways to enter the markets.

The city plans to strengthen follow-up support, including assistance with price negotiations, sample provision and additional consultations, to help turn the MOUs into actual export contracts.

Gimcheon Mayor Bae Nakho said, "This consultation event gave us an opportunity to assess the competitiveness of local businesses in Southeast Asian markets. We will expand tailored support so that businesses can achieve tangible export results in overseas markets."

The 103 export consultations and 20 MOUs mark a starting point for entering Southeast Asian markets. Systematic follow-up support from Gimcheon City will be important to turn the MOUs into actual contracts and sustained exports.

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