○ Launch of a market expansion support program for provincial food SMEs targeting three Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries

○ Domestic consultation sessions to be held in May; top-performing companies to be selected for overseas trade missions

Gyeonggi Province is recruiting companies to participate in the 2026 Gyeonggi Export Consultation Program through March 6 to support small and medium-sized food enterprises (SMEs) within the province seeking to expand into the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) market.

The initiative is designed to facilitate the export of “K-food (Korean food)” by providing local businesses with strategic entry opportunities into three key CIS countries: Russia, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. The project will follow a staged approach divided into domestic and overseas consultation sessions. The domestic session is scheduled to take place in late May at the Novotel Ambassador Suwon City.

Approximately 60 companies will be selected to participate in the domestic session. Gyeonggi Province will invite international buyers to facilitate one-on-one business matching with local enterprises. To minimize linguistic barriers, dedicated consultation spaces and professional interpretation services will be provided. Furthermore, top-performing companies identified during the domestic sessions will be granted priority for participation in subsequent overseas consultation programs.

This initiative is expected to strengthen the export capabilities of food enterprises within the province and serve as a strategic gateway to the CIS market. By increasing the effectiveness of consultations through pre-matched buyer demand analysis and providing targeted support to export-ready companies, the Province aims to boost global recognition of Gyeonggi’s K-food products and diversify export markets.

Eligibility is limited to food SMEs with headquarters or manufacturing facilities located within Gyeonggi Province. Companies wishing to participate may apply online through the Gyeonggi Enterprise Portal (www.egbiz.or.kr) by March 6. Applicants must submit required documentation, including a Certificate of SME Status, proof of export performance, and a business registration certificate. Submitting product catalogs in foreign languages is recommended, as it facilitates more effective matching with international buyers.

For further information, contact the Export Marketing Team at the Gyeonggi Business & Science Accelerator (GBSA) (Phone: 031-259-6143/6145, Email: gtrade@gbsa.or.kr). Detailed project information and application procedures are available in the official announcement posted on the Gyeonggi Enterprise Portal.

Park Kyung-seo, Director of the International Trade Division at Gyeonggi Province, stated, “This export consultation program will serve as a key stepping stone for K-food enterprises in the province seeking stable entry into the CIS market.” He added, “Through pre-arranged buyer matching and phased support, we will actively assist companies in achieving tangible export outcomes.”