○ Export consultation sessions targeting non-tariff barriers held in Australia and Malaysia (April 6–12)
– Arranged local buyer meetings for companies preparing or acquiring overseas certifications
– Dispatched 10 provincial beauty and consumer goods companies; 105 business consultations conducted, totaling USD 3.17 million in export consultations
○ Strengthened engagement with Oceania and ASEAN markets, emphasizing the importance of overseas certifications

On April 15, Gyeonggi Province and the Gyeonggi FTA Global Business Center (GGFTA Center) announced that they had held on-site export consultations in Melbourne, Australia, on April 8 and in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on April 10. A total of 105 business meetings were held across both locations.

These export consultations were organized to support local SMEs in the K-beauty and household consumer goods sectors to diversify into global markets amid increasing external uncertainties, including the intensifying U.S.-China trade conflict and rising non-tariff regulations worldwide.

Ten companies from Gyeonggi, specializing in beauty and daily consumer products, participated in the consultation sessions across both regions. In Melbourne, Australia, 49 business meetings were held, resulting in USD 1.06 million in potential exports and USD 510,000 in contracts currently under negotiation. Meanwhile, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 56 meetings were held, with export consultations amounting to USD 2.11 million and contract negotiations underway for USD 750,000.

“We could sense the recognition of Korean products’ excellence by Australian consumers first-hand,” said a representative of a Hanam City-based skincare company entering the Australian market for the first time. “Thanks to the Korea–Australia FTA tariff benefits, our price competitiveness has improved, increasing the likelihood of actual contracts.”

“This consultation gave us valuable insight into the Malaysian market and buyer responses,” commented a representative of a Yongin City-based food company. “Overseas standard certifications are essential for entering global markets, and the GGFTA Center’s support has been extremely helpful.”

Australia is recognized as a premium market backed by high purchasing power and consumer trust, with a growing demand for eco-friendly and health-focused products. Malaysia is also emerging as a key hub for accessing the ASEAN market and a strategic entry point into the halal market in the Islamic world. As such, these consultations are expected to be a significant stepping stone for provincial SMEs to move beyond an export structure heavily reliant on the U.S. and China and into new, diversified markets.

Gyeonggi Province and the GGFTA Center plan to continue offering local export consultations, overseas certification support, and tailored training and briefings to help companies in the province overcome non-tariff barriers in various global markets, including Australia and Malaysia.

For further information, please contact the GGFTA Trade Promotion Center (+82-1688-4684).

Gyeonggi Province International Trade Director Park Gyeong-seo stated, “We will continue to provide proactive support to help companies recognize the importance of overseas certifications and prepare in advance to respond effectively to the evolving global trade landscape.”