73 domestic firms, 40 overseas buyers take part
Gangseo-gu in Seoul secured $1.135 million in export contracts at the 2026 Global Business Consultation held Tuesday at COEX Magok.
The event was co-organized by Gangseo-gu and the Seoul Business Agency (SBA). A total of 73 domestic companies spanning AI transformation, AI, digital and healthcare sectors joined roughly 40 overseas buyers.
The two organizers designed the forum around helping companies enter overseas markets and close concrete export deals. They analyzed each participating firm's key products alongside buyer interest, purchasing power and local market demand in advance to enable tailored consultations.
A total of 263 export consultations took place on the day, and 12 companies — including seven based in Gangseo-gu — signed export MOUs with buyers from the United States, Taiwan and other markets, securing a foothold for overseas expansion.
Three Gangseo-gu startups also presented their flagship products and technologies to buyers and other attendees. Gangseo-gu District Mayor Jin Kyo-hoon visited the venue to review the products on display and monitor the progress of consultations and contract negotiations, lending his support to local firms pursuing overseas markets.
The two organizations plan to provide ongoing, multifaceted support after the forum to help one-off consultations develop into sustained export relationships.
"Creating a business-friendly environment is one of the most important responsibilities entrusted to the district," Jin said. "We will continue to do our utmost to help local companies take their outstanding products and technologies into overseas markets."
He added that he hoped the forum would serve not only as an opportunity to close concrete deals but also as a springboard for entering international markets.
Since 2024, Gangseo-gu has partnered with the SBA to invite overseas buyers and hold business consultation forums in support of small and medium-sized enterprises seeking new export channels. The initiative has generated approximately 5.5 billion won ($4.11 million) in export contracts to date.
seouldream01@heraldcorp.com
