KOTRA graduates 717 from first AI trade talent program

As AI adoption spreads rapidly across export marketing, the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency has produced 717 new trade professionals trained in AI-based overseas marketing. KOTRA held a graduation ceremony for the first cohort of its 2026 AI Trade Talent Development Program on May 28 at its headquarters in Seocho-gu, Seoul. The event drew 717 participants — including KOTRA Executive Vice President and AI Trade and Investment Division head Ahn Young-ju, youth trainees and representatives from small and medium-sized enterprises — attending both in person and online.

The program paired youth trainees with small and medium-sized enterprises to carry out hands-on export marketing tasks, giving participants practical experience in a real business setting.

The first cohort this year enrolled 717 participants in total — 629 youth trainees and 88 company representatives — nearly double the average of roughly 380 participants per cohort recorded since the program launched in 2023 through last year. The growth reflects demand from small and medium-sized enterprises seeking to expand overseas sales channels through AI, combined with strong interest among young people looking to build digital trade skills.

KOTRA plans to train 5,000 digital trade professionals by next year. The program appeals to both sides: exporting companies can pursue AI-driven content creation and buyer outreach without hiring dedicated staff, while youth trainees gain overseas marketing experience working with real products from participating firms.