Dhaka Trade Office: On the Frontline of Korea-Bangladesh Economic Cooperation
Since its establishment in 1987, the KOTRA Dhaka Trade Office has served as a vital bridge for trade and investment between Korea and Bangladesh for 38 years. Situated in Dhaka's Gulshan district, the office is staffed by three Korean expatriates and eight local employees, delivering comprehensive services that span market research, buyer sourcing, export consultation sessions, and investment facilitation.
This article presents a chronological record of the Dhaka Trade Office's key activities, offering practical guidance on how Korean companies can make the most of the office's resources and programs.
Annual Activity Calendar
The Dhaka Trade Office plans its activities around Bangladesh's business cycle. November through March marks the peak business season, when the majority of export consultation sessions and trade mission visits are concentrated.
| Month | Key Activities | Target Industries | Scale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan-Feb | DITF (Dhaka International Trade Fair) participation support | All industries | Korean Pavilion |
| Mar | Korea-Bangladesh export consultation session | RMG, Machinery, Chemicals | 30+ companies |
| Apr-May | Intensive market research processing | All industries | Per case |
| Jun-Jul | Virtual consultation sessions (monsoon season) | IT, Consumer goods | 20+ companies |
| Aug-Sep | Buyer invitation program preparation | All industries | 50+ buyers |
| Oct | Korean exhibition buyer invitations | Electronics, Beauty, Food | 30+ buyers |
| Nov | Export consultation / Trade missions | RMG, Construction, Energy | 50+ companies |
| Dec | Year-end networking and performance review | All industries | 100+ attendees |
Export Consultation Track Record and Outcomes
Export consultation sessions are the cornerstone of the Dhaka Trade Office's operations. These events bring Korean companies and Bangladeshi buyers together for direct product discussions and trade negotiations, with the number of successfully closed deals growing steadily each year.
Trade Missions and Buyer Invitation Programs
Trade missions send delegations of Korean companies to Bangladesh to meet buyers on the ground, while buyer invitation programs bring Bangladeshi buyers to Korea for face-to-face consultations with Korean firms. The Dhaka Trade Office handles local buyer sourcing and logistics for both formats.
How to Use Dhaka Trade Office Services
Korean companies can apply for a wide range of Dhaka Trade Office services through the KOTRA website. In particular, leveraging the Export Voucher Program allows companies to access market research and buyer sourcing services with minimal out-of-pocket expense.
| Service | Description | Cost | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overseas Market Research | Customized market research reports | $300-$1,000 | 2-4 weeks |
| Buyer Discovery | Matching with 3-5 prospective buyers | $200-$500 | 2-3 weeks |
| Export Consultation | Direct consultations with buyers | Free to partially paid | Per event |
| Office Space Support | Temporary workspace in Dhaka | $30-$50/day | Immediate |
| Interpretation & Escort | On-site interpretation for meetings | $100-$200/day | By reservation |
| Legal Advisory | Local legal and tax consultation | $200-$500 | 1-2 weeks |