An Overview of KOTRA's Global MOU Network
KOTRA has built an institutional foundation for Korean companies' overseas expansion and foreign investment attraction by signing memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with investment promotion agencies (IPAs), chambers of commerce, and trade promotion bodies in more than 40 countries worldwide. This MOU network goes beyond ceremonial signing and operates as a practical business infrastructure for buyer information exchange, joint exhibitions, and investment promotion cooperation.
As of 2025, the cumulative number of MOUs exceeds 120, and more than 70% are considered active, supporting regular cooperation programs. In Bangladesh, the MOU with BIDA (Bangladesh Investment Development Authority) serves as an institutional anchor for Korea-Bangladesh economic cooperation.
Regional Distribution of MOUs
KOTRA's MOU network is most concentrated in Asia, while cooperation with institutions in emerging markets such as the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America has expanded rapidly in recent years. The regional distribution of MOUs and representative partner institutions is outlined below.
| Region | No. of MOUs | Key Partner Institutions | Core Cooperation Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asia | 35 | BIDA (Bangladesh), JETRO (Japan), CCPIT (China) | Investment promotion, trade promotion, exhibitions |
| Europe | 25 | GTAI (Germany), Business France, UKTI (United Kingdom) | Technology cooperation, startup exchange |
| North America | 10 | SelectUSA, EDC (Canada) | Investment attraction, R&D cooperation |
| Middle East and Africa | 20 | DAFZA (Dubai), NPC (Nigeria) | New market development, infrastructure |
| Latin America | 15 | ProMéxico, APEX (Brazil) | Resource cooperation, trade expansion |
| CIS | 15 | KOTRA-KAZAID (Kazakhstan) | Energy, mineral resources cooperation |
MOU Types and Cooperation Mechanisms
KOTRA's MOUs can be broadly grouped into five categories based on purpose and scope. Each type is paired with concrete cooperation mechanisms, including regular meetings, information exchange, and joint projects.
MOU Cooperation with Bangladesh's BIDA
The MOU between KOTRA and BIDA (Bangladesh Investment Development Authority) is a core institutional pillar of Korea-Bangladesh economic cooperation. As Bangladesh's one-stop foreign investment service agency, BIDA works with KOTRA to accelerate Korean investment into Bangladesh and expand bilateral trade.
Practical Impact of the MOU Network
Although MOUs do not in themselves create legally binding obligations, KOTRA's MOU network is backed by concrete mechanisms that translate into measurable business outcomes. Annual export contracts facilitated through MOU channels exceed $500 million, while investment linkages surpass $3 billion.