2025 Business Plan Overview
KOTRA Dhaka Trade Office is a key platform supporting Korean companies in exports and investment in Bangladesh. Its 2025 business plan is organized around five pillars: market development, buyer matching, exhibitions, investment promotion, and market research, with more than 100 support programs scheduled across the year.
This analysis reviews the Dhaka Trade Office's annual 2025 plan and explains when and how Korean companies can use each support service. Most KOTRA programs are free of charge or available at relatively low cost, making them highly relevant for firms considering market entry or expansion in Bangladesh.
Detailed Review of the Five Pillars
Market Development Programs
Market development is the core function of the Dhaka Trade Office and directly supports Korean exports to Bangladesh. It includes export consultations, buyer inquiry matching, market development missions, and the overseas branch office support program.
| Program | Timing | Target | Scale | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Materials Export Consultation | March | Korean building materials firms | 15 companies | Apply via KOTRA |
| Food and Cosmetics Consultation | May | Consumer goods firms | 20 companies | Apply via KOTRA |
| Machinery and Equipment Consultation | July | Industrial machinery firms | 15 companies | Apply via KOTRA |
| Medical Device Consultation | September | Medical and health firms | 12 companies | Apply via KOTRA |
| Comprehensive Export Consultation | November | All sectors | 30 companies | Apply via KOTRA |
| Market Development Mission | April, October | Multi-industry | 10 companies | Selection based |
Buyer Matching Programs
Buyer matching services identify Bangladeshi buyers aligned with a Korean company's product and arrange business meetings. The annual target exceeds 200 matches, with an estimated conversion rate of around 15 percent.
Exhibition Support Programs
The Dhaka Trade Office operates Korea Pavilions at major Bangladeshi exhibitions to strengthen local visibility and buyer access for Korean companies. In 2025, Korea Pavilions are scheduled for eight exhibitions.
| Exhibition | Timing | Sector | Korea Pavilion | Participation Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DITF | Jan-Feb | General | 15 booths | Partial support |
| Textech BD | February | Textiles and machinery | 10 booths | Partial support |
| IPLF | March | Leather and footwear | 8 booths | Partial support |
| Dhaka Motor Show | May | Automotive | 6 booths | Partial support |
| Build BD | July | Construction and materials | 12 booths | Partial support |
| Meditex | September | Medical devices | 10 booths | Partial support |
| SIEF | October | Power and energy | 8 booths | Partial support |
| ICT Expo | November | IT and electronics | 8 booths | Partial support |
Market Research Programs
The Dhaka Trade Office conducts 40 market research projects each year, including overseas market studies and customized paid research. Overseas market studies are planned by KOTRA and released free of charge, while tailored paid research is provided for USD 1,000 to 3,000 depending on the scope.
Practical Guide for Companies
The 2025 business plan of KOTRA Dhaka Trade Office provides structured support for Korean companies across five stages: information, contact, transactions, expansion, and investment. Because most services are free or relatively inexpensive, failing to use them can create unnecessary market-entry costs. The most effective approach is to review the annual calendar early and apply in advance for the programs that match the company's current stage of market development.