2016 Outbound Trade Mission to Korea

The Western U.S. Agricultural Trade Association (WUSATA®), and the 13 Western State Departments of Agriculture, announce participation and registration in the following activity, which is brought to you by the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service:

2016 Outbound Trade Mission to Korea: November 14-18, 2016

Korea remained the fifth largest market for U.S. food and agriculture products in 2014, with sales rising 36% to US$6.8 billion. Consumer-oriented products grew 22%, to US$3.5 billion, with a significant increase in beef, pork, dairy, processed fruit and tree nut products, mainly benefited by the Korea-US Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA).

With GDP of US$1.4 trillion, and 3.5% growth rate, Korea was the 13th highest world economy in 2014. Although Korea’s population of just over 49 million is aging, the economy continues to grow at a steady pace. Korea continues to be an important trade partner for U.S. agriculture, with limited production area, and a strong interest in safe, healthy, and high quality foods. New to market companies, and companies with a focus on healthy/organic products are highly encouraged to attend.

Benefits of Participation:

• Customized individual meetings with pre-selected Korea buyers
• Learn about opportunities and challenges in the Korea market from senior U.S. Embassy leaders
• Visit Korean business facilities and markets
• Showcase and promote your products to some of Korea's most influential buyers

WUSATA will furnish:

• Customized one-on-one buyer meetings
• Individual interpreter for each company for buyer meetings and mission activities
• Ground transportation to and from mission activities
• Four nights lodging for one company representative*

Participants are responsible for:

• Travel to and from Seoul, Korea - Please arrive by the evening of November 14, and depart no sooner than November 18
• Meals and incidental expenses
• Shipping of product samples - Korean buyers expect to see and taste your products, so please bring an adequate amount of samples

Tentative Itinerary:

Monday, November 14: Arrive in Korea

Tuesday, November 15: ATO Briefing, Retail and market tours, Welcome dinner

Wednesday, November 16: One-on-one business meetings, Networking reception

Thursday, November 17: Visit Korean companies, Continue One-on-One meetings off-site

Friday, November 18: Follow-up meetings on own and/or Fly back to U.S.

*Please note: If you wish to bring more than one company representative, please contact the project managers for details, and to ensure space availability