For the first time in history, Korea’s export may exceed existing export records. 
KOTRA (www.kotra.or.kr) has carried out surveys through 102 oversea trade center and according to the results in the “Outlook on Export in 2004 from the Viewpoint of Overseas Trade Centers” report, next year’s export may increase up to 12.4% (217 billion dollars) compared to this year. 
Export to China, Hong Kong Taiwan and CIS regions has greatly contributed to this year’s increase. The Chinese regions will go into stride with a large-scaled national policy project including maintaining high growth of economy in China, continuing WTO participation, the Beijing Olympic Games, Shanghai Expo and etc. 

In addition, growth may slowdown in CIS regions but export to those regions is expected to maintain an average 20%. 
Export to North America, and Central and South America is slowly recovering. Actual exports to North America is especially expected to increase 6% due to America’s clear recovery from depression, effects from tax reduction policies and expand in public finance because of America’s presidential election. 
Central and South America has recovered from years of stagnation and the economic growth in Korea’s main markets in Mexico and Brazil, export increase rate is expected to be 2-numbered. 
The export platform in Japan, Europe, Asia, Oceania, Middle East and Africa regions are improving but each region has its weakness making export activities less active than other regions. Export forecast for next year in these regions will only make 5% compared to the total forecast of 12.4%. 

(Rest omitted) 
Source: Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency, December 22, 2003